CAPSTONE team has successfully executed an operation to stop the spin of the spacecraft, according to SciTechDaily. This can now help the spacecraft return to its normal operations.
(Photo : NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Image)
Visitors stand next to a mockup of a new Russian orbital space station, presented by Roscosmos State Space Corporation, during the Army-2022 International Military-Technical Forum at the Russian Armed Forces' Patriot Park in Kubinka, outside Moscow on August 16, 2022.
Last month, CAPSTONE encountered an issue that put it in safe mode. Later, it was discovered that the spacecraft was spinning beyond the capacity of the onboard reaction wheels to control and counter.
Based on the data found, the possible cause was a valve-related issue in one of its thrusters. The partially open valve meant the faulty thrust generated thrust every time the propulsion system was pressurized.
After reviewing telemetry and simulation data, the mission team performed multiple tests on the spacecraft to formulate a plan to stop the spacecraft's spin despite the problem.
Recovery operations were conducted last week, and it showed that the maneuver was successful. The spacecraft has stopped its spin and has regained full 3-axis attitude control. Therefore, this means CAPSTONE's position can be controlled without unplanned rotation.
Now, the spacecraft has oriented its solar arrays to the Sun for maximum power generation. Additionally, it adjusted its antennas to ensure better data connection to Earth.
Also Read: NASA CAPSTONE is Unreachable, CubeSat Gone Dark in Space
The CAPSTONE
CAPSTONE is a satellite that is specifically designed to detect possible sources of gravitational waves. It is part of the larger mission to locate the sources of these waves, which can be the sources of some of the celestial objects.
Gravitational waves are produced by some of the most violent and energetic events. So they could unveil the mysteries of the universe. These waves are faced as the ripples that are created by the collision of black holes, the mergers of neutron stars, and the coalescence of pairs of super-dense neutron stars.
CAPSTONE has been said to be the most sensitive instrument ever made. The mission will also help scientists detect gravitational waves from a variety of sources through space. The mission will make future space missions possible.
Better CAPSTONE
Now that CAPSTONE's spin has stopped, the team will continue to work on its recovery operations, including better communication and storing important science data.
CAPSTONE is expected to send more data to Earth in the coming days. The collected data will be used to deliver important scientific information to the scientific community.
CAPSTONE is also expected to resume its observations of gravitational waves as soon as possible. The CAPSTONE team will also perform some tests to ensure their instrument is functioning properly before sending it back to its research.
Related Article: NASA Finally Reestablishes Contact With New Spacecraft to the Moon
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Written by April Fowell
