Sci-Tech -
News Sections
After 19 years, Ulysses solar probe to go dark
Font-size: 
Share 
Print
The Associated Press
Date: Saturday Jun. 27, 2009 12:24 PM ET
WASHINGTON — NASA and the European Space Agency are about to pull the plug on a robotic solar probe that just wouldn't quit. The Ulysses probe was launched from the space shuttle Discovery in 1990. It was supposed to last five years. But it's now nearing 19 years, 5.8 billion miles and still going.
Sixteen months ago, the two space agencies announced that Ulysses was freezing up and about to die in a matter of weeks. Somehow it kept operating, sending important science information about an extraordinarily quiet year for the sunspots and solar wind.
That will end on Tuesday when the space agencies turn off Ulysses' transmitter. Officials say issues with power, location and antennas make it no longer useful.
User Tools
Share with your social Network:
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Stories
User Tools
About the tools
Need to get in touch with CTV? You can email the CTV web team using the 'Feedback' button.
-
Font-size - Print Article
-
Feedback
Share it with your network of friends
Share this CTV article or feature with your friends. Click on the icon for your favourite social networking or messaging system, and follow the prompts.
Share this article with Facebook
Share this article with Digg
Share this article with Newsvine
Share this article with delicious
Share this article.
Send Email
Share this article with Twitter
Share this article with StumbleUpon
Share this article with Reddit
Share this article with Yahoo! Buzz
Most Viewed News Stories
Most Talked about Stories
I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
