Spitzer’s Beyond phase is bringing new challenges for the spacecraft. Its orbit lags behind Earth as it travels around the sun at a slower pace, leading to an increase in distance between the two. This requires the spacecraft’s antenna to be angled at higher positions towards the sun for communication with Earth, causing parts of the spacecraft to experience increased heat. Additionally, as Spitzer moves farther away from the sun, its solar panels point away from the light source and receive less sunlight. This puts additional stress on the batteries.
To optimize Spitzer’s performance during this challenging time, the mission team will need to override certain autonomous safety systems on the spacecraft. These adjustments are necessary to ensure that Spitzer can continue its mission effectively despite its unique orbit and advancing age. By addressing these engineering challenges, the team can maximize scientific data collected by Spitzer during its Beyond phase.