3 ms·
Expected mission lifetime is often a function of "if thing X, Y, Z goes wrong". As you get past X, Y, and Z, mission lifetime will grow significantly. For examp
by mbonnet 2y ago
Expected mission lifetime is often a function of "if thing X, Y, Z goes wrong". As you get past X, Y, and Z, mission lifetime will grow significantly. For example, for the James Webb telescope, its expected lifetime was limited by expected precision of orbit insertion by the Ariane 5 that launched it. Ariane 5 performed perfectly, so the resulting precision means the lifetime of the telescope is extended.
- dotancohen 2y agoIsn't JWST limited by the chilling hydrogen onboard?
- OldGuyInTheClub 2y agoNo, it has a cryocooler for MIRI that keeps the relevant components at <7K without cryogen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUH61gx149c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUH61gx149c