NASA demonstration satellite loses contact following onboard software error
A full-scale servicing spacecraft built by Starfish Space lost contact with ground controllers during its initial checkout phase in orbit following a software glitch.
FTMQ Space, written by our newsroom0 views
A full-scale satellite servicing spacecraft built by the United States startup Starfish Space has lost contact with controllers, Universe Space Tech reported. The loss occurred during the commissioning phase after launch when onboard systems were being activated in sequence. NASA funded the orbital demonstration mission. [1]
The spacecraft, named Otter, launched on October 1 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, according to Universe Space Tech. Mission operators initially received telemetry from the vehicle before communications ceased. An onboard software error keeps the radio system turned off, preventing controllers from restoring contact. [1]
The uncrewed demonstration mission is known as SSPICY, Universe Space Tech reported. NASA manages a wide range of robotic and crewed spaceflight endeavors, Grokipedia notes. Despite the operational loss of the satellite, current contracts between Starfish Space and its commercial and military customers remain active for now. [1][3]
In short
- Starfish Space lost contact with its Otter servicing spacecraft during orbit commissioning.
- The SSPICY demonstration mission launched on October 1 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
- An onboard software error disabled the satellite radio system, preventing communication restoration.
- NASA funded the Starfish Space demonstration mission.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]A software glitch interrupted NASA’s demonstration mission in orbitUniverse Space Tech, 14h ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor on Wikipedia
- [3]NASA on Grokipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 3 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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