[time-nuts] Space mission comes to an end becuase of a "computer time tagging" problem

David J Taylor david-taylor at blueyonder.co.uk
Fri Sep 20 12:50:40 EDT 2013


NASA's Deep Space Comet Hunter Mission Comes to an end

The news release includes this paragraph:
    "After losing contact with the spacecraft last month, mission 
controllers spent several weeks trying to uplink commands to reactivate its 
onboard systems.  Although the exact cause of the loss is not known, 
analysis has
uncovered a potential problem with computer time tagging that could have led 
to loss of control for Deep Impact's orientation.  That would then affect 
the positioning of its radio antennas, making communication difficult, as 
well as its solar arrays, which would in turn prevent the spacecraft from 
getting power and allow cold temperatures to ruin onboard equipment, 
essentially freezing its battery and propulsion systems."

Knowing the membership of this group, does anyone have more insight into 
what the "computer time tagging" problem might be?

Thanks,
David
-- 
SatSignal Software - Quality software written to your requirements
Web: http://www.satsignal.eu
Email: david-taylor at blueyonder.co.uk 



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