There were two scheduled Deep Space Network (DSN) passes this week with all subsystems performance
remaining normal. An additional
three Payload Attitude Control Interface (PACI) resets occurred. The first on Nov 29, the second on Dec 3,
and the third on Dec 5. As with the previous resets the patch worked flawlessly.
Sequence SC012 started successfully on Monday and the first DSN
pass on Tuesday was used to install a new file that will provide for faster telemetry for uplink verification at
low data rates.
When the data rates are 100 bits per second (bps) or lower, it can take up to thirty minutes to verify that
an uplink was received by the spacecraft. The nominal data for this sequence and the
upcoming sequences is 40 bps. The new file will produce the
verification telemetry at a faster rate and downlink the
information to the ground on a priority basis. Sequence SC012 is the active sequence. The kickoff meeting for
sequence SC013 was
held on Tuesday. During this sequence the Deep Space Maneuver
(DSM) will be performed.
Education and Outreach Team supported the STARDUST exhibit at the Planetary Society sponsored, Planetfest
’99 in Pasadena,
California. The event was held in conjunction with the Mars Polar Lander and Deep Space 2 landing
operations.
For more information on the STARDUST mission – the first ever
comet sample return mission – please visit the STARDUST home page:
