An uncontrolled spacecraft that has been running through space for decades shot its thrusters for the first time on July 8 since 1987. The probe retired in 1997 and a group of volunteers are now controlling to resurrect the zombie spacecraft which was abandoned 17 years ago.
The NASA spacecraft called ISEE-3 (International Sun-Earth Explorer 3) was launched during the tenure of former Pres. Jimmy Carter and has not fired thrusters since the time of former Pres. Ronald Reagan. Initially, the maneuver to change course was successful but a few mechanical issues occurred which prevented it from fully changing course. Experts question the fuel system of the spacecraft. The team will try to refire again the next day.
The team's success is important because it is the first time the spacecraft's moving parts were successfully commanded and the group of amateur volunteers has already been trying to reboot the probe through radio contacts for over a month. The probe is "spin-stabilized" which means it only properly functions when it tumbles over itself. Now the team can adjust the spin.
NASA used the probe originally to study the sun. Soon, it started studying comets and was called the ICE (International Comet Explorer). It retired in 1997 and was on a course that brought it past the sun and close to Earth this year. The team knew the probe was approaching so as enthusiasts, they approached NASA to present its idea to recover the abandoned spacecraft.
The group calls themselves ISEE-3 Reboot Project. They were in contact with the satellite since May in Puerto Rico's Arecibo Observatory. The region had a medium earthquake that caused the operation to stop. The volunteers tried to redirect the satellite's path before it went too far from Earth and by its progress, it seems the group will be successful.
The probe is around three million miles away from Earth but quickly moving close to Earth. ISEE-3 will pass near the moon in August and if the group completes its redirection, the moon's gravity will pull the ISEE-3 into orbit around Earth. From there, the probe will be given a new mission.
