All articles tagged with #satellite failure
An investigation into the failure of the MethaneSAT satellite could not determine a single root cause, citing possible issues with its avionics or power systems, but limited data prevents a definitive conclusion. The mission faced technical problems since launch, and some experts suggest rushed development may have contributed to its failure.
MethaneSAT, a privately funded satellite launched in March 2024 to measure methane emissions, failed in orbit after just over a year, marking a setback for space-based environmental monitoring efforts.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket failed to properly deploy 20 Starlink satellites due to a liquid oxygen leak, causing them to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. The incident has triggered an investigation by the FAA, grounding Falcon 9 launches until further notice.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket malfunctioned during a launch, leaving 20 Starlink satellites in a low orbit where they are expected to reenter the atmosphere and burn up. The failure, attributed to a liquid oxygen leak, marks SpaceX's first rocket failure in nearly a decade. The Federal Aviation Administration has mandated that the issue be resolved before further Falcon rocket flights. The incident's impact on upcoming crewed missions remains uncertain.
Rogue Space Systems' Barry 1 satellite experienced a power-system failure before it could test IVO Ltd.’s controversial Quantum Drive propellantless propulsion system, leading to the loss of all communication with the satellite. Despite the setback, both companies are exploring future launch opportunities to test the Quantum Drive in space, which is part of an emerging and controversial class of experimental propulsion systems claiming to generate measurable thrust without any propellant. The failure has been met with a mix of frustration and hope in the Alternative Propulsion Community, with plans to include recent improvements in future test flights.
The UK climate satellite, HotSat-1, designed to map heat loss from buildings, has experienced a failure in orbit just six months after its launch. The satellite's camera stopped working, and despite engineers maintaining contact with the spacecraft, restoration of operations is not expected. The fully insured satellite will be replaced in 2025. HotSat-1 aimed to identify energy-inefficient properties through their heat signatures and provide solutions to reduce carbon emissions. The loss is a disappointment, but the company behind the mission remains optimistic about future endeavors.