Ville
11-12-2011, 12:03 AM
An interesting piece at the LINK (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1111/11phobosgrunt/).
The first excerpt below explains why establishing communications with Phobos is difficult.
Phobos-Grunt's low-gain antenna may be blocked by fuel tanks on the craft's rocket pack. The tanks were supposed to be jettisoned after one of the engine firings.
[…]
It's also unclear whether Phobos-Grunt is alive and under its own control. Observations from experienced satellite trackers indicate the spacecraft has a steady brightness, meaning it could be stable and not tumbling.
… U.S. military tracking data showed Phobos-Grunt in a slightly higher orbit, which could be the result of an intentional maneuver. It's also possible the orbit change could be caused by venting propellant.
A lot of good science is at stake here.
The first excerpt below explains why establishing communications with Phobos is difficult.
Phobos-Grunt's low-gain antenna may be blocked by fuel tanks on the craft's rocket pack. The tanks were supposed to be jettisoned after one of the engine firings.
[…]
It's also unclear whether Phobos-Grunt is alive and under its own control. Observations from experienced satellite trackers indicate the spacecraft has a steady brightness, meaning it could be stable and not tumbling.
… U.S. military tracking data showed Phobos-Grunt in a slightly higher orbit, which could be the result of an intentional maneuver. It's also possible the orbit change could be caused by venting propellant.
A lot of good science is at stake here.