Galileo Orbit Anomaly - Inquiry Conclusions

[Darren]

The Independent Inquiry Board that was formed to investigate the orbit anomaly of the two Galileo satellites has announced its findings.

As we reported last week, the issue was the result of a frozen full pipe that delivered hydrazine to thrusters necessary to align the Fregat upper stage ready for correct orbital injection.

The freeze was the result of cold helium feed lines being installed in close proximity to the hydrazine fuel lines. They were connectedly the same support structure which led to a thermal bridge. This sequence of events occurred due to a design ambiguity which failed to recognise the possibility of thermal transfer between these components.

Whilst it doesn't help the two satellites that are now effectively lost to the Galileo network, it is at least a simple fix and will not result in delays to the next launch scheduled for December.

Source: Arianespace.com

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Darren Griffin

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