Nasa is debating whether to try to fix a jammed solar panel on its newly launched Lucy spacecraft, en route to explore an unprecedented number of asteroids.
The problem cropped up shortly after the spacecraft’s October 16 lift-off on a 12-year journey.
After measuring the electric current this week, Nasa reported that one of Lucy’s two giant, circular solar panels is only between 75% and 95% extended. A lanyard is holding it in place.
Any attempt at reopening the wing — which is 24 feet in diameter would not occur before mid-November.
So far, the problem has not affected Lucy’s outbound flight, so there is no rush to figure out the next step, according to Nasa. Everything else on the spacecraft is working properly.
The nearly one billion dollar mission seeks to explore seven so-called Trojan asteroids that share Jupiter’s orbit around the sun and another space rock closer to home.
Lucy should swoop within 600 miles of each target.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here