NASA's Wide Field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) satellite failed in orbit because of an incorrectly designed electronics box that prematurely fired explosive devices, says the space agency. The failure caused the early ejection of the satellite's telescope cover.
The box's design did not take into account the start-up characteristics of one component within it. Electrical power created at the start-up of this component reached explosive devices which were intended to eject the cover later in the mission.
Frozen hydrogen, which was to be used to cool the sensitive infrared detectors, was exposed to the sun and vented as gas.
Source: Flight International
