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Some of the most famous space missions, like the Voyager probes, have been exploring our Solar System for decades. However, the technology that keeps them functioning may not be what you’d expect.

One example of this is the Cluster II mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA). After the original Cluster satellites were lost in a tragic launch failure, a replacement mission was quickly initiated. The Cluster II mission, designed to study the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere, has now been in orbit for 23 years, far exceeding its initial three-year lifespan.

The success of long-lasting space missions like Cluster II can be attributed to the dedication and resourcefulness of the teams behind them. These teams have faced numerous challenges, such as software built on obsolete operating systems and power limitations. For instance, the Cluster satellites had to rely on outdated ground control software but managed to overcome this by using virtual environments with emulators.

Power has also been a concern for these missions. The Cluster satellites, equipped with solar arrays for electricity, had to deal with the challenge of passing into the Earth’s shadow twice a year. To address this, the satellites were powered down and rebooted via signals in an automated sequence. Similarly, the XMM-Newton space telescope, designed to investigate x-ray emissions from distant galaxies, faced issues with its aging thrusters and reaction wheels. The solution was to activate the backup wheel and run all wheels at a slower speed.

These examples highlight the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of the engineers and scientists involved in maintaining and prolonging the lifespan of these space missions. Their efforts have allowed us to continue gathering valuable data and expanding our understanding of the universe.

The post Space Missions Defy Expectations with Longevity and Ingenuity appeared first on ISP Today.