What Exactly is the (dark) Matter with Euclid?
The Main Control Room is buzzing with preparations for the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and spacecraft commissioning, about halfway through the Euclid simulations campaign. These important moments represent the mission’s reawakening following its arduous launch and the start of its trek to solve the mysteries of the universe.
As the Euclid thrusters fail, there is stress
Euclid’s simulations officer, Joe Bush, methodically planned for every possible failure scenario. He left no stone untouched, from spacecraft problems to human elements like team cohesion and morale. On March 23, however, his worst worries seemed to come true when not one but two sets of thrusters on the Euclid spacecraft simulator failed.
“One of Euclid’s attitude thrusters was rendered inoperable due to a suspected mechanical failure, forcing us to rely on the backup set.” But then the backup orbit control thrusters began to behave erratically, with one performing 10% over capacity and the other 10% below, Tiago Loureiro, Euclid Flight Operations Director, recounts.
The team faced a huge undertaking with no set protocol for such a case. They investigated a potential hybrid system incorporating both sets of thrusters, seeking advice from ESA’s Technical Heart (ESTEC) and industry partners. The experience demonstrated the need to collaborate among experts and specialists to overcome unexpected obstacles.
“The double-thruster nightmare scenario demonstrated how successful mission operations require a diverse range of experts and specialists capable of supporting and brainstorming with our Control Teams for the plethora of potential issues that can arise,” Joe adds.
Building a Resilient Team: A Life Lesson
Teamwork is prominent throughout the simulated campaign, highlighting that no task can be completed alone. As Tiago points out, knowing who to turn to for expertise, counsel, and support during critical decision-making times is essential for mission operations and life.
While such losses are unlikely in practice, the teams’ capacity to remain calm and determined in the face of adversity and recognize which resources to rely on will be critical to Euclid’s mission success.
Precise Engineering for Cosmic Understanding
Euclid’s purpose is to catch the weak light that has traveled through the cosmos for 10 billion years, giving insight into the fundamental question: What is the universe made of? Dark energy, which accounts for nearly 70% of the universe, and dark matter, which accounts for roughly 25%, remain enigmas. The stuff we know and can see accounts for only 5% of the total.
To fulfill its goals, Euclid’s engineers at ESA’s mission control will take great care to protect the telescope from direct sunlight during and after launch. The spacecraft’s calibration and pointing must be precise to achieve excellent visibility.
From the Earth to the Lagrange Point
Euclid is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aiming for “Lagrange Point 2.” This strategic location balances the Sun’s and Earth’s gravitational pulls, resulting in a stable orbit where things can revolve with minimal effort.
The ongoing simulations at ESA’s ESOC mission control center bring together local and science teams from ESA’s ESTEC technical heart, SpaceX, ground stations, and Thales Industry to practice every step of the journey.
The hardships and victories experienced during simulations feed the teams’ determination, reinforcing their resolve to reveal the universe’s secrets as the Euclid mission prepares to embark on its cosmic voyage.
Read the original article on PHYS.
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