Kepler Update: Some Progress Made
Kepler Mission Manager Update: Initial Recovery Tests, NASA
“The initial test began on Thursday, July 18, 2013, with RW4. In response to test commands, wheel 4 did not spin in the positive (or clockwise) direction but the wheel did spin in the negative (or counterclockwise) direction. Wheel 4 is thought to be the more seriously damaged of the two.
On Monday, July 22, 2013, the team proceeded with a test of RW2. Wheel 2 responded to test commands and spun in both directions.”
Marc’s note: It looks like there has been some partial success however there’s still a long way to go before Kepler can be recovered to operate as it should.
Although I don’t like to see equipment failures on any mission, I think these sorts of troubleshoot and recovery activities are good experience for the future, both in terms of living and working in space and with respect to future equipment and mission designs. Every such learning experience contributes to the next generation’s education.
I believe that article quotes a mission team member as saying that although they can get the malfunctioning wheels to spin there is still significant friction. If so, this does not look good for the spacecraft.