Since we’re in space : news from Akatsuki
So, Akatsuki failed at orbiting Venus, which, for a Venus probe, is pretty bad, yes, we know… (Please, do not mention Nozomi, thanks).
The main engine being damaged, a secondary engine (retroaction control system) was ignited yesterday during 10 minutes to correct the trajectory of the probe, a first step in a project that may conduct to an orbit insertion in 2015.
A second ignition is scheduled on the 10th after the analysis of the data received after this first try. A third one will occur on the 21st. There is still hope !
