Olympus end of life anomaly — a perseid meteoroid impact event?

摘要: On August 11, 1993 at 23:32 Zulu (UT), the OLYMPUS satellite lost earth pointing and began spinning, leading to a chain of events which culminated with satellite's demise. The spacecraft automatic control system attempted despin reorient but was unsuccessful. These manoeuvers caused significant fuel depletion. During reacquisition under manual control, it determined that insufficient remained return station. decision made take out service, removing as far possible from geosynchronous orbit. morning 12 predicted be peak Perseid's meteoroid shower. There possibility stream might reach storm conditions relatively fresh material released during last appearance Comet Swift-Tuttle returning near Earth. Assessments situation had indicated unlikely problem, an on-board micro-accelerometer package operated record impacts, operators support staff were put on special alert in case operational difficulties. This paper will describe spacecraft, sequence events, tests analysis, make design recommendations. While impact by could not proven, is scenario. small may have generated plasma triggering discharge charged surfaces entering grounded via umbilical external sensor. Such scenario particularly interesting for other since Perseid shower likely worse next few years.