Lucy Is Reporting Under-Voltage Readings, In One Solar Array, As It Charges Up -- On Way Toward The Sun... Several Likely Fixes Possible.

In the realm of space science glitches, this is likely a smallish one. It is suspected that one of the two solar array "pin-wheels" did not latch completely in place, and that that would be the source of the under-volt readings. [Mission background here.]

One fix would be to close the panel, and re-open it. Another would be to simply ignore it and fly on -- since the lower power levels will not affect mission objectives or timing.

But there would be a small chance that when firing the engine, to adjust the craft's attitude, the unlatched array could close unexpectedly, or be damaged (due to torsion forces on the craft from engine-generated acceleration). So I expect the team will figure out a way to latch it in place pretty shortly. The next engine burn isn't for a few weeks yet though, so there is time to work the problem. Here's the latest:

. . .Built by Lockheed Martin Space, Lucy will be operating farther from the sun than any other solar-powered spacecraft before it, and its two Northrop Grumman-built arrays, designed to unfold 360 degrees like Chinese fans, are critical to mission success. . . .

Shortly after launch Saturday, NASA confirmed both 24-foot-wide arrays had deployed and were generating power. But on Sunday, the agency said one of the arrays may not be latched in place. . . .

"While one of the arrays has latched, indications are that the second array may not be fully latched. All other subsystems are normal. In the current spacecraft attitude, Lucy can continue to operate with no threat to its health and safety. . . ."

We will keep an eye on this one. Onward, grinning into the sunshine, here. . . .

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