ISEE-3 fires its thrusters for the first time since 1987.
The private team resurrecting the 1970s space probe ISEE-3 successfully fired its thrusters for the first time since 1987.
It took several attempts and days to perform the roll maneuver because ISEE-3 was not responding to test commands. But this time, controllers got in touch. They increased the roll rate from 19.16 revolutions per minute to 19.76 RPM, putting it within mission specifications for trajectory corrections.
The spacecraft is now prepped for the big burn that will change its trajectory.
The private team resurrecting the 1970s space probe ISEE-3 successfully fired its thrusters for the first time since 1987.
It took several attempts and days to perform the roll maneuver because ISEE-3 was not responding to test commands. But this time, controllers got in touch. They increased the roll rate from 19.16 revolutions per minute to 19.76 RPM, putting it within mission specifications for trajectory corrections.
The spacecraft is now prepped for the big burn that will change its trajectory.