We Almost Did The ISEE-3 Spin-up Burn (Update)
ISEE-3 Status 24 June 2014: We Almost Did The Spin-up Burn
“During our session with Arecibo today we came very, very close to firing the thrusters on ISEE-3 for its spin-up maneuver. But we were not able to complete the process and fire the thrusters. The spacecraft was completely configured for a thruster firing during today’s pass. We reduced the number of pulses from 11 to 1 to make certain that we had the proper commands in place. If that engine firing proceeded successfully we’d follow with the remaining 10 pulses so as to spin up the spacecraft to the required rotation rate. As it happened we were unable to get confirmation on the very last command and put a halt to the procedure.”
Keith’s note: We have another window opening at Arecibo around 1:30 pm EDT. We’ll be live tweeting at @ISEE3Reboot.
Keith’s Update: Our Arecibo pass was a short one and we had some commanding issues – so no spin-up burn. Our DSN pass for ranging starts at 4:50 pm EDT – you can see ISEE-3 listed on the DSN live page.
Hey Keith why isn’t their video of the failed attempt at Spin-up. Lots of people (not me) paid to see it. I only bring this up in comparison to the space X situation. Everyone is up in arms about the behavior of a private company. Not criticizing you or them. I am criticizing those people who just don’t get how hard space really is. It is FAR it is HIGH, it is DANGEROUS.
I don’t recall promising live video to donors. The reason there is no live video is because we do not think it is needed. There is nothing to see except people staring at computer screens. We provide live tweeting as things happen. We may offer it during the lunar flyby but only if we have everything else taken care of.
Keith why did you reply? Is it a rainy day in Florida or something?<g> “Not criticizing you or them. I am criticizing those people who just don’t get how hard space really is.”
You did not promise anything but the attempt. What your team has done is amazing and no one really wants to see video of your people, unless you have hired a supermodel. I was more tweaking these people who complain about everything.