[ad_1]
by MARCIA DUNN, AP Aerospace Writer
This undated artist concept provided by NASA shows the Kepler spacecraft. NASA's Kepler Space Telescope is running out of fuel and has been forced to take a nap. Flying controllers have recently placed the fighter spacecraft on the planet in hibernation to save energy. It will remain asleep until early August, when controllers will attempt to send the collected data before the sightings are interrupted. Launched in 2009, Kepler has been researching planets outside our solar system for nearly a decade. (NASA via AP)
NASA's Kepler Space Telescope is running out of fuel and has had to take a nap.
Flight controllers winterized the energy spacecraft. It will remain asleep until early August, when controllers will attempt to send the collected data before the sightings are interrupted.
Kepler has been researching planets outside our solar system for nearly a decade. Considered the pioneer of planetary hunting, he discovered nearly 3000 confirmed worlds and as many potential candidates.
Launched in 2009, Kepler endured mechanical failures and other mishaps. But there is no way around an empty fuel tank. The fuel is needed to point the telescope
The Kepler antenna must be pointed towards the Earth to retrieve the most recent observations. For the moment, it is the highest priority of the team.
Source link
