NASA decided to move forward with plans to complete the deployment of the Lucy spacecraft’s stalled and unlatched solar array. The spacecraft is powered by two large arrays of solar cells that were designed to unfold and latch into place after launch. One of the fan-like arrays opened as planned. But the other stopped just short of completing this operation.
Lucy engineers determined the unlatched solar array is nearly fully open, through a combination of rigorous in-flight solar array characterization and ground testing. It is positioned at approximately 345 out of the full 360 degrees. It is also producing ample energy for the spacecraft. Scientists are concerned about potential damage to the array if the spacecraft conducts a main engine burn in its present configuration.
The arrays were opened by a small motor that reels in a lanyard attached to both ends of the folded solar array. Scientists estimate that 20 to 40 inches of this lanyard remains to be retracted for the open array to latch.
The solar array was designed with both a primary and a backup motor winding to give an added layer of reliability for the mission-critical solar array deployment. Lucy engineers will take advantage of this redundancy by using both motors simultaneously to generate higher torque than was used on the day of launch. Ground tests show that this added torque may be enough to pull the snarled lanyard the remaining distance needed to latch.
Scientists are now preparing to complete the solar array deployment in two steps. The first step is tentatively scheduled for the week of May 9. It is intended to pull in most of the remaining lanyard and verify that flight results are consistent with ground testing. This step will also strengthen the array by bringing it closer to a fully tensioned state. Because this step is designed to be limited in duration. The array is not likely to latch at that point.
