ESA engineers have uncovered a critical code bug that caused their JUICE spacecraft to go silent as it approached Venus. The probe, which plays a vital role in Jupiter exploration, unexpectedly lost communications, raising concerns among mission controllers. The issue, as reported by The Register, stemmed from a timer failure in the spacecraft’s software, which prevented it from sending signals back to Earth.
How ESA Engineers Traced the Problem
Expert teams at the European Space Agency worked tirelessly to investigate the anomaly. They discovered that a software timer failed to trigger as planned, causing the spacecraft to remain unresponsive during a crucial maneuver. This bug almost jeopardized the mission as the JUICE probe prepared for its close encounter with Venus.
Software Glitches in Space Missions
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous software testing in space missions. Even minor coding errors can lead to significant setbacks, especially when dealing with complex interplanetary operations. ESA is now implementing stricter code reviews and additional safeguards to prevent similar issues in the future.
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