Lucy spacecraft has almost completely deployed stuck array

One of the two large solar panels on NASA's Lucy spaceship failed to come in place after it was launched. Significant progress has been made in the deployment of the solar array, according to NASA.

Lucy had a problem after it was launched. The solar panels on the spaceship harvest energy from the sun to provide power. When the craft was in space, the array had to be folded out in a clock-like fashion. There were no issues with the deployment of one of the array. The other array did not deploy. Although the partially-deployed array was getting enough power even with the partially-deployed array, the concern was that when the spacecraft fired its thrusters, this would put stress on the array, which was not fully tensioned.

NASA plans to tighten the lanyard which deploys the array in April this year. To pull the array further into position, it was decided to run both the primary and backup motor at the same time. It took several rounds through May and June to pull the array further into place.

NASA reports that the array is almost completely deployed, having unfurled to between 353 degrees and 358 degrees open, out of a total degree range. The array is more stable now that it is under more tension, which makes it more able to handle the force of a maneuver. Lucy will be able to operate with its array open to this degree, according to NASA.

It will take several months for the NASA team to deploy the array if needed, as the spacecraft is about to enter a section of its flight where only limited communications will be possible.

NASA says that due to thermal constraints caused by the Earth, the satellite will not be able to communicate with the Earth for several months. Lucy will be able to communicate using its low-gain antenna, so they won't be completely out of contact. The team can consider further actions on the array if there is a need in October.

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