- #1
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- TL;DR
- Arecibo broken
Anyone have more information...here is Scott Manley report...not good!
Snapped Cable Damages Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope
- Context: High School
- Thread starter hutchphd
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the damage to the Arecibo Observatory radio telescope caused by a snapped cable, exploring the implications of the incident, repair processes, and historical context. It includes technical details about the damage and the nature of the repairs needed.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express concern over the damage and hope for a quick repair.
- One participant provides a synopsis of the damage, noting that a few hundred feet of support cable came down, damaging several aluminum panels in the main dish and the catwalk, but no apparent equipment damage was found.
- It is mentioned that the cable did not break but pulled out of its end attachment, raising questions about the attachment method.
- Participants discuss the ease of replacing the aluminum panels compared to the custom-made cable, which will take months to replace.
- There are references to drone footage capturing the final collapse, with one participant commenting on the visual impact of the footage showing paint flying off the cables as they were ripped apart.
- Concerns are raised about the safety of the catwalk to the instruments and the need for repairs to ensure safety.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the severity of the damage and the need for repairs, but there are differing views on the implications of the cable's failure and the repair process, indicating that multiple perspectives remain in the discussion.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved questions regarding the attachment method of the cable and the structural integrity of the remaining cables under load, which may affect the repair timeline and safety assessments.
- #2
Drakkith
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Hope they get it back and running asap!
- #3
Tom.G
Science Advisor
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Dated Aug. 18, 2020:
https://spacenews.com/arecibo-damage-to-take-months-to-repair/
Dated August 21, 2020. More history along with a little information:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/21/science/space-telescope-puerto-rico-arecibo.html
Short synopsis:
A few hundred feet of support cable came down and damaged several Aluminium panels in the main dish and some damage to the catwalk to the movable suspended part. No apparent equipment damage found so far.
The cable did not break, it pulled out of its end attachment. Strange, considering the attachment method. See the video in the initial post above for details on that.
The panels that make up the dish are no big deal to replace, they are just Aluminium panels with holes punched in them. The cable is more of a problem, it was custom made and it will take a few months to make a replacement. They also have to figure out how safe the catwalk to the instruments is; then repair it.
The repair work will be led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) which is still contributing to the operational funding.
Cheers,
Tom
https://spacenews.com/arecibo-damage-to-take-months-to-repair/
Dated August 21, 2020. More history along with a little information:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/21/science/space-telescope-puerto-rico-arecibo.html
Short synopsis:
A few hundred feet of support cable came down and damaged several Aluminium panels in the main dish and some damage to the catwalk to the movable suspended part. No apparent equipment damage found so far.
The cable did not break, it pulled out of its end attachment. Strange, considering the attachment method. See the video in the initial post above for details on that.
The panels that make up the dish are no big deal to replace, they are just Aluminium panels with holes punched in them. The cable is more of a problem, it was custom made and it will take a few months to make a replacement. They also have to figure out how safe the catwalk to the instruments is; then repair it.
The repair work will be led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) which is still contributing to the operational funding.
Cheers,
Tom
- #4
jedishrfu
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More on the final collapse yesterday with some drone footage:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03421-y
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03421-y
- #5
nsaspook
Science Advisor
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jedishrfu said:
That type of long term cable damage would have been just about impossible to repair after one failed far below its rated capacity. The remaining cables with 1/3 of a 900 ton compression load balanced with anchor cables was a hair trigger that unfortunately got pulled.
- #6
Drakkith
Mentor
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jedishrfu said:
That drone footage is unbelievable. You can actually see the paint on the cables come flying off as they get ripped apart!
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