What would happen if any breakdown caused the spacecraft to become uncontrollable?
A complete breakdown is very unlikely because all critical subsystems are redundant and because the gyroscopes are not a critical subsystem. If a total breakdown were to occur, the spacecraft would stabilize in a gravity gradient mode. It would remain in orbit for at least 3.5 years, allowing time for a shuttle repair or retrieval mission. If a shuttle mission were not performed, the spacecraft would eventually reenter in an uncontrolled manner causing debris to impact an estimated 62 square yards of the Earth’s surface somewhere between latitudes 28 degrees South and North. The estimated casualty probability would be 1 in 1000.
Related Questions
- Do you or someone you know have low vision caused by Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Diabetes, or another vision condition?
- uncontrollable mood swings caused by taking steroids (similar to hormonal mood swings?
- What would happen if any breakdown caused the spacecraft to become uncontrollable?
