The European Space Agency (ESA) is facing a challenge with its Euclid spacecraft. Layers of water ice are starting to affect its ability to see clearly. To tackle this, ESA is testing a new method to remove the ice from the spacecraft.
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| (Image: Google) |
Euclid is an important mission for ESA, as it aims to study dark matter and dark energy, which make up a large part of the universe. However, the layers of ice on Euclid's optics, as thin as a strand of DNA, are causing problems. This is a big issue because Euclid needs precise vision to carry out its mission.
The ice buildup on Euclid is a common issue for spacecraft in space. Water molecules from the spacecraft's assembly on Earth are slowly released into space due to the vacuum environment. In the cold temperatures of space, these molecules freeze and stick to sensitive parts like Euclid's optics.
To address this, ESA is testing a new de-icing procedure. Typically, spacecraft use heaters to warm up and remove ice, but this can cause parts to expand and potentially affect the spacecraft's performance. Instead, the Euclid team plans to gradually heat specific parts of the spacecraft to minimize these risks.
Mischa Schirmer, a scientist involved in the project, explained that they noticed a decline in the brightness of stars observed by Euclid's instruments. This decline indicated that the ice was affecting Euclid's vision.
If successful, this de-icing method will help ensure that Euclid can continue its mission effectively. It's a delicate process, but crucial for maintaining the spacecraft's ability to explore the mysteries of the universe.
