Hey Space Placers!
NASA's exoplanet hunting spacecraft, Kepler, is in deep, deep trouble. The spacecraft has lost a second reaction wheel, which makes two out of four are operating. The only problem is Kepler needs 3 to obtain the pointing precision needed to hunt exoplanets.
NASA held a news conference yesterday to provide details which can be seen here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/news/keplerm-20130515.html
It is not known if the extended mission of Kepler, which began in November 2012 will continue. It will take some time to sort out what can be done if anything to salvage additional data collection.
I'll keep you posted.
Sky Guy in VA
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