Solar Array Drive Problem Causes Suspension of Landsat 5 Data Acquisitions

Nov. 26, 2005 • Landsat 5's back-up solar array drive began exhibiting unusual behavior today, with its rotation becoming sporadic and failing to maintain proper solar array sun-pointing resulting in its inability to provide sufficient power to charge the L5 batteries. In January 2005, the primary solar array drive failed under similar circumstances. Imaging operations will be suspended during attempts to resolve the problem.

Official USGS press release.

 

 

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