Herschel Status Report - January 2010
Spacecraft
The spacecraft is operating nominally.
Payload
Both PACS and SPIRE continue to operate nominally. These instruments are conducting Routine Science Phase observations with some remaining Science Demonstration Phase observations interleaved.
HIFI recovery
Major elements of the HIFI recovery are on track. The back-up electronics and the non-redundant Local Oscillators were successfully switched on and have been confirmed to be functioning and in good health. The focus will now turn to fully restoring HIFI's unique abilities for scientific observations.
Ground Segment
Mission operations
During the reporting period, mission operations have been conducted with the support of the ESA New Norcia ground station. Observational data stored on-board Herschel was received on ground during communication passes lasting approximately three hours.
Archiving
The ground segment is operating nominally. Data products are generated routinely and ingested into the Herschel Science Archive (HSA).
Future Milestones
- February: instrument and Instrument Control Centre reviews for PACS and SPIRE
- Early March 2010: Herschel Observatory Routine Science Phase Readiness Review
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Legal disclaimer
This report is based on the Herschel mission manager's report dated 22 January 2010. Please see the copyright section of the legal disclaimer (linked from the home page http://sci.esa.int) for terms of use.