[time-nuts] Space mission comes to an end becuase of a "computer time tagging" problem

Bob Camp lists at rtty.us
Sat Sep 21 00:12:54 UTC 2013


Hi

Low bid wrist watch used as time base?

---------------------------------

I'd bet there is some form of master time tick in their RTOS that keeps everything pumping. Loose the time tick (or the time tick count) and it all goes away…

As the onboard computers accumulate radiation induced faults, there's a lot of software patching that goes on to map around the faulty sections. They may have done one to may patches.

Bob

On Sep 20, 2013, at 7:47 PM, Mark C. Stephens <marks at non-stop.com.au> wrote:

> Winders?
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On Behalf Of David J Taylor
> Sent: Saturday, 21 September 2013 2:51 AM
> To: Time-nuts mailing list
> Subject: [time-nuts] Space mission comes to an end becuase of a "computer time tagging" problem
> 
> NASA's Deep Space Comet Hunter Mission Comes to an end
> 
> The news release includes this paragraph:
>    "After losing contact with the spacecraft last month, mission controllers spent several weeks trying to uplink commands to reactivate its onboard systems.  Although the exact cause of the loss is not known, analysis has uncovered a potential problem with computer time tagging that could have led to loss of control for Deep Impact's orientation.  That would then affect the positioning of its radio antennas, making communication difficult, as well as its solar arrays, which would in turn prevent the spacecraft from getting power and allow cold temperatures to ruin onboard equipment, essentially freezing its battery and propulsion systems."
> 
> Knowing the membership of this group, does anyone have more insight into what the "computer time tagging" problem might be?
> 
> Thanks,
> David
> --
> SatSignal Software - Quality software written to your requirements
> Web: http://www.satsignal.eu
> Email: david-taylor at blueyonder.co.uk 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.




More information about the Time-nuts_lists.febo.com mailing list