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NASA robotic explorer runs into trouble after launch
- pohl 13y agoIt always seems to be the reaction wheels. Are they inherently difficult to get right?
- dwc 13y agoYes and no. They're usually quite good, but they wear out. Reaction wheels are in continuous use and must remain precise enough to negate spin within some very tight tolerances. With limited fuel and the inherent work and risk in doing a burn to cancel spin, reaction wheels are usually spun very fast before they burn off the spin and let the wheels slow back down.
- ANH 13y agoThe issues have been resolved, according to the NASA Ames Center Director: https://twitter.com/worden/status/376345117205876737 https://twitter.com/worden/status/376345117205876737
- brownbat 13y agoMore details: http://science.time.com/2013/09/07/nasa-launches-robotic-explorer-to-moon-from-va/ http://science.time.com/2013/09/07/nasa-launches-robotic-exp...