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Spacecraft
Motion, Heat, and Energy
The spacecraft system provides the support structure and
environment necessary for the telescope and the science
instruments to work as an observatory.
In order to provide motion to the observatory, Chandra has two
different sets of thrusters: one for propulsion and the other
for momentum unloading. The propulsion thrusters were used
immediately after launch to help propel Chandra into its final
orbit, which is elliptical and very high in altitude. The
momentum unloading thrusters are periodically used to apply
torques to Chandra and, thereby, lower the accumulated momentum
in its reaction wheels, which are used to control Chandra's
attitude.
Thrusters
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To control the temperatures of critical components, Chandra's
thermal control system consists of a cooling radiator,
insulators, heaters and thermostats. It is particularly
important that the temperature near the X-ray mirrors be well
controlled to keep the mirror in focus. The temperature in many
parts of the spacecraft is continually monitored and reported
back to mission control.
Chandra's electrical power comes from its solar arrays. This
energy is then stored in three banks of batteries and
distributed in a carefully regulated manner to the Observatory
by the electrical power system. The solar arrays generate
approximately two kilowatts of power for the heaters, science
instruments, computers, transmitters, etc.
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