Space UpdateSpace Update

MN SFSBen J. Huset

www.mnsfs.org

www.mnsfs.org

ChandraChandra

Contaminant buildup on an optical filter aboard NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory is increasing the time needed to get accurate readings from the spacecraft in the low-energy range of the X-ray spectrum.

The ACIS instrument is now operating at about 60 percent of its efficiency at launch in the low-energy spectrum. The contaminant is believed to be a hydrocarbon substance whose source could be a Chandra spacecraft lubricant.

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At more than eight billion miles At more than eight billion miles (13 billion km), 90AU (12 light (13 billion km), 90AU (12 light hrs) from the Sun, Voyager 1 hrs) from the Sun, Voyager 1 is the most distant object built is the most distant object built by humanity. by humanity. Launched on Sept 5, 1977.Launched on Sept 5, 1977.

Voyager 1Voyager 1

Reached Terminal Shock?Reached Terminal Shock?YES - Dr. Stamatios M. KrimigisYES - Dr. Stamatios M. Krimigis

No -- Dr. Frank B. McDonaldNo -- Dr. Frank B. McDonald

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Mars Missions -- On OrbitMars Missions -- On Orbit

Mars Global Surveyerhttp://marsweb.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/index.html

south polar region near 71.7°S, 1.6°W

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Mars Missions -- On OrbitMars Missions -- On Orbit

2001 Mars Odyssey

http://marsweb.jpl.nasa.gov/odyssey/

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Nozomi – Launched July 4, 1998

Arriving January 2004 Mars Express – Launched June 2nd

Arriving Thur Dec 25th 2003Spirit– Launched June 5th

Arriving Sun Jan 4th 2004Opportunity – Launched June 24th

Arriving Sun Jan 25th 2004

Mars Missions -- in routeMars Missions -- in route

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ISS-7 ISS-8

International Space International Space StationStation

Returned Oct. 27 Launched Oct. 18

European Space Agency (ESA) European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Pedro Duque of Spainastronaut Pedro Duque of Spain

KC5RGGKC5RGG

Cosmonaut Cosmonaut Yuri I. MalenchenkoYuri I. Malenchenko

RK3DUPRK3DUP

AstronautAstronautMichael FoaleMichael Foale

KB5UACKB5UAC

AstronautAstronautEdward T. LuEdward T. Lu

KC5WKJKC5WKJ

Cosmonaut Cosmonaut Alexander KaleriAlexander Kaleri

U8MIRU8MIR

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Nov 5th

Managers found five items that were determined to be “unacceptable risks”.

• on-board defibrillator device -- has a wiring problem. • main box for distributing power from arrays to ISS is suspect because it has not been tested for its ability to withstand vibration• Problems with a heat-dissipating radiator on the outside of the station.• Problems with an ammonia storage device.• Problems with wiring to a robotic work station.

The five components deemed "unacceptable risks" were among 722 pieces of hardware, software and procedures given "waivers" while the space station was being planned and built.

International Space International Space StationStation

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Relaxacon 2003 – Oct 17th - 19th, 2003http://www.freemars.org/mnfan/relaxacon/Relaxacon-2003/

Recent MN SFS ActivitiesRecent MN SFS Activities

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Leonid Meteor Shower Nov 18-19th

MNSFS / SEDS Meeting Dec 9th

All Ships Party Sat Dec 13th 6-10pmRadisson South Suite 118.

Upcoming ActivitiesUpcoming Activities

Onan Observatory