Solar wing jammed on NASA spacecraft chasing asteroids
ABC News
NASA is debating whether to try to fix a jammed solar panel on its newly launched Lucy spacecraft, en route to explore asteroids
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is debating whether to try to fix a jammed solar panel on its newly launched Lucy spacecraft, en route to explore an unprecedented number of asteroids.
The problem cropped up shortly after the spacecraft's Oct. 16 liftoff on a 12-year journey.
After measuring the electric current this week, NASA reported Wednesday that one of Lucy’s two giant, circular solar panels is only between 75% and 95% extended. A lanyard is holding it in place.
Any attempt at reopening the wing — which is 24 feet in diameter (7 meters) — would not occur before mid-November.
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