ASTRO-H Failure Puts Promising Mission in Jeopardy | JAXA Update

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In summary: Hitomi suffers second failure, cutting short missionJapan's Hitomi X-ray astronomy satellite has suffered its second failure in less than a year, capping off an already disappointing mission.The spacecraft was launched on an H-IIA rocket on 12 February 2016, but failed to achieve orbit less than two weeks later due to a problem with the satellite's main engine.JAXA has now announced that the spacecraft has broken up and is likely lost in space.The mission was initially promising, as Hitomi was expected to provide the first ever glimpse of the hot windblown gas and dust in the galaxy cluster Abell 2744. However, due to the first failure, JAXA was forced
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1oldman2
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A bad start to a very promising mission.
http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/astro_h/topics.html#topics7238
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/satellite-may-be-lost-in-space-japan-space-agency/

And in an unrelated mission fiasco.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a20044/exomars-narrow-escape-launch-disaster/

I have been very interested in the ASTRO-H mission since before the launch, hope they can recover contact.
The situation gets even more convoluted...
https://twitter.com/JAXA_en
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/bad-news-for-jaxas-hitomi-observatory-28032016/
 
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
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This is disappointing, but they might ~possibly~ recover it. Reminds me of the Mars Climate Orbiter.
 
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ProfuselyQuarky said:
This is disappointing, but they might ~possibly~ recover it. Reminds me of the Mars Climate Orbiter.
My fingers are crossed but reports of "break up" are coming in, sounds like JAXA isn't writing it off yet so we will have to see how it goes, I hate to see an instrument like this go to the graveyard.
 
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1oldman2 said:
My fingers are crossed but reports of "break up" are coming in, sounds like JAXA isn't writing it off yet so we will have to see how it goes, I hate to see an instrument like this go to the graveyard.
Definitely! We'll see how it goes. Didn't they have trouble with the launching, too, because of weather?
 
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ProfuselyQuarky said:
Definitely! We'll see how it goes. Didn't they have trouble with the launching, too, because of weather?
I believe ASTRO-H(HITOMI) had a short delay because of a boat down range, not unlike one of the Falcon launch aborts recently. The next launch which was a telecommunications satellite and was held up several days because of weather.
 
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ProfuselyQuarky said:
Nice article! You'd think that JAXA would have paid more attention to detail in the beginning if they considered how much of a lost it would be to lose the Hitomi observatory...
The more I read about it the harder it gets to believe... So many fiascos, three passes ignored while it asked for input, so many opportunities to salvage the mission, now just more "space junk". The data that "scope" could have provided would have been so important. :frown:
 
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1oldman2 said:
I believe ASTRO-H(HITOMI) had a short delay because of a boat down range, not unlike one of the Falcon launch aborts recently. The next launch which was a telecommunications satellite and was held up several days because of weather.

no, it was weather ...

Feb. 12, 2016 Updated
The X-ray Astronomy Satellite "ASTRO-H" launch postponement

H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.30 with the X-ray Astronomy Satellite "ASTRO-H" onboard, which was originally scheduled for February 12 (Fri.), 2016 (Japan Standard Time), has been rescheduled because bad weather is expected. The new launch day will be announced as soon as it is determined. Your warm support messages are welcomed at the support site.

Feb. 14, 2016 Updated
ASTRO-H Launch rescheduled to 5:45 p.m. on Feb 17 (Wed. ,JST)

The launch of the The X-ray Astronomy Satellite "ASTRO-H" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 30 was rescheduled at 5:45 p.m. on Feb 17 (Wed. Japan Standard Time, JST) after carefully studying the weather conditions.D
 
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:headbang: Bad case of launch confusion, sorry about that. :smile:
 
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1oldman2 said:
:headbang: Bad case of launch confusion, sorry about that. :smile:

tis all good ... I live in the "State of Confusion " :-p
 
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davenn said:
tis all good ... I live in the "State of Confusion " :-p
Looks like we're neighbors then! I've been told by friends that I belong on Bewilderment Boulevard ... wherever that is :rolleyes:
 
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At least something was salvaged. :smile:
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard...-winds-of-a-galaxy-cluster-for-the-first-time

pera_optical_registered.jpg

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v535/n7610/full/nature18627.html
 
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1. What caused the failure of ASTRO-H?

The failure of ASTRO-H was due to a malfunction in the spacecraft's attitude control system, specifically the high-pressure helium tank that regulates the flow of fuel to the thrusters. This caused the spacecraft to lose its stability and spin out of control.

2. Was the failure of ASTRO-H preventable?

While the specific cause of the failure was unexpected, the design and testing of the spacecraft's attitude control system could have been more robust to prevent such an anomaly. However, space exploration is inherently risky and failures can occur despite thorough preparations.

3. What was the impact of ASTRO-H's failure on the scientific community?

The failure of ASTRO-H was a significant setback for the scientific community, as it was a highly anticipated mission with advanced technology and cutting-edge instruments. The loss of data and research opportunities will have a lasting impact on the study of high-energy astrophysics.

4. Will there be a replacement for ASTRO-H?

Yes, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced plans for a new satellite, ASTRO-H2, which will have similar capabilities and instruments as ASTRO-H. However, the launch date for this mission is still to be determined.

5. What steps are being taken to prevent similar failures in future space missions?

The failure of ASTRO-H has led to a thorough investigation and review of design and testing procedures for spacecraft systems. Additionally, stricter quality control measures and redundant systems are being implemented to minimize the risk of similar failures in future missions.

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