CPMcGraw
02-07-2012, 05:23 PM
Report via SFN:
The failed Phobos-Grunt mission was caused by "...a programming error which led to a simultaneous reboot of two working channels of an onboard computer..." according to RIA Novosti. The reboot put the spacecraft in safe mode.
Interestingly, "...tracking data indicated Phobos-Grunt raised its orbit in the days following the anomaly, and information shows the spacecraft changed its altitude at least 10 times...". Also, "...the orbit change observed by U.S. military tracking assets was roughly equivalent to 22 ullage, or propellant-settling, thruster firings...".
"...The data could be evidence the spacecraft repeatedly tried to fire its rocket engine and aim for Mars..."
The failed Phobos-Grunt mission was caused by "...a programming error which led to a simultaneous reboot of two working channels of an onboard computer..." according to RIA Novosti. The reboot put the spacecraft in safe mode.
Interestingly, "...tracking data indicated Phobos-Grunt raised its orbit in the days following the anomaly, and information shows the spacecraft changed its altitude at least 10 times...". Also, "...the orbit change observed by U.S. military tracking assets was roughly equivalent to 22 ullage, or propellant-settling, thruster firings...".
"...The data could be evidence the spacecraft repeatedly tried to fire its rocket engine and aim for Mars..."