A space telescope is falling out of space. NASA has a plan to save it
NASA's X-ray space telescope, Chandra, will be fitted with a propulsion system to prevent it from falling out of orbit. The daring plan aims to extend the observatory's life by raising its altitude, counteracting orbital decay caused by atmospheric drag.
Background
- The article covers NASA's INTEGRAL (Interstellar Boundary Explorer) mission — a space telescope that maps the boundary between our solar system and interstellar space. It's losing altitude and will re-enter Earth's atmosphere if nothing is done.
- NASA plans to perform a "time-critical orbit burn" to raise the satellite's orbit. This is risky because IBEX was not designed for such maneuvers; it's a small, aging spacecraft (launched 2008) with limited fuel.
- The mission is notable for studying the heliosphere (the Sun's protective bubble) — data that helps scientists understand cosmic radiation and the conditions for life in other star systems.
- The challenge: IBEX is technically past its expected lifespan, but its science is still valuable. NASA must decide whether to attempt a rescue or let it burn up — a rare dilemma for a science probe that isn't a flagship mission.