Spitzer’s Beyond phase presents new engineering challenges for the spacecraft due to its slower orbit around the sun and advancing age. As Spitzer travels farther away from Earth, its antenna must be angled at higher positions towards the sun for communication, leading to parts of the spacecraft experiencing increased heat. Additionally, the solar panels on Spitzer point away from the sun and receive less sunlight, putting additional stress on the batteries.
To facilitate this riskier mode of operations, the mission team will need to override certain autonomous safety systems on Spitzer. These adjustments are necessary to ensure the spacecraft can continue its mission effectively despite the challenges posed by its unique orbit and advancing age. By addressing these engineering challenges, the team can optimize Spitzer’s performance during the Beyond phase and maximize the scientific data collected by the spacecraft.