Russian space probe stuck in orbit causes alarm | Detroit Free Press.
OtherSources: NYTimes, RussianSpaceWeb
With the latest mishap of the Russian Space Agency, now still hanging in space, many wonder about it’s cargo of fuel and what will happen when it’s orbit of Earth decays in the next couple of weeks.
We can only wonder if they will indeed solve this issue before it’s fall back to earth. Russian space agency officials say the probe is expected to stay in orbit from 5 days to 1 month.
The Russian Mars Probe to the moon, is stuck in orbit after equipment failure. This is a run of BAD Luck for the Russian space agency this being the second failure since it’s August failure of a resupply craft for the International Space Station. Some have began to wonder about the state of the agency and if it is in decline.
NASA has offered assistance, and said from their calculations The probe’s re-entry and the fuel on board would explode upon re-entry not causing any reason for alarm.
Update 11.23.2011 Article today in Spaceflight now reporting “It’s alive! Russia’s Phobos-Grunt probe phones home.” A ground station in Perth, Australia has heard the faint signals from the Russian probe. At 2505 GMT (3:25PM EST) the station heard the signal from the probe. Attempt to make meaningful communication will be attempted again later today. However hopes for getting the probe to Mars are certainly fading.
Update 12.03.2011 – ESA Officially stops listening for Russia’s Phobos-Grunt probe. After nearly contact on Nov. 22 and 23rd from the Perth Australia. The probe has remained mysteriously quiet. From the data gathered engineers believe the probe has had problems charging its batteries. This would only allow for communication during the sun lit portion of the probes orbit. Signals were broadcast this week during the 7 minute intervals where the probe should have been able to receive orders. To raise it’s altitude to a higher orbit. NASA also assisted with it’s Goldstone, CA. facility before having to switch it’s attention to the Mar’s Curiosity mission. NASA expert’s now feel the orbit will decay in January or February 2012. The Russian’s however will still attempt to regain control of the craft and trying to make possible a guided re-entry.
Source: SpaceflightNow, Space.com
Russian President Dimitri Medvedev threatened to dole out strict actions against officials responsible for the latest string of failures in the Russian Space Program.
Source: Space.com
Update 01.04.2012 – According to Discovery news, the stranded Russian mars Probe will crash to earth in 11 days. On or around January, 15 2012.