NASA has repeatedly “buried” the space telescope “Kepler”. In July it was announced that his stock of fuel almost exhausted, because of what it is a month into sleep mode. In August, NASA suddenly announced that the device is still in working condition and continues the search for exoplanets. In September, the Agency published a seemingly impossible message: “Kepler” spotted a problem with the engine, but he is still alive. The message to NASA from the beginning of October 2018 say that the Agency plans to continue to squeeze out all the juice.
The NASA team found that the device is no longer able to send information about their injuries. In this regard, he again entered hibernation mode, this time until October 10. The Agency does not know exactly how much fuel remained at the telescope, but will try to pass on Earth as much as possible of the data collected. If the attempt succeeds, the device is again engaged in the search for exoplanets.
At the moment we know that the device has at least three problems. First, the stock of its fuel is almost depleted. Secondly, one of the eight engines are damaged. Third, to change the situation he can use all four flywheel.
From August 29 to telescope studied 30 000 stars and galaxies in the constellation of Aquarius. Among them was a TRAPPIST system-1, which includes seven other planets. Astronomers believe that some of them can be up to 250 times more water than on Earth.
One of the most interesting discoveries of “Kepler” Wolf 503b planet is orbiting a bright star. It is twice the size of Earth and well-lit and is therefore perfectly suited for further study by other telescopes. Wolf 503b most interesting to astronomers, because planets in the Solar system simply does not.
What do you think, to what time “Kepler” will be able to continue working? Write your guesses in the comments or in our Telegram chat.
NASA again was “put to sleep” spacecraft “Kepler” for new problems
Ramis Ganiev