NASA is debating whether to try to fix a jammed solar panel on its newly launched Lucy spacecraft, en route to explore an unprecedented number of asteroids.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The problem cropped up shortly after the spacecraft's October 16 lift-off on a 12-year journey.
After measuring the electric current this week, NASA reported on Wednesday that one of Lucy's two giant, circular solar panels is only between 75 per cent and 95 per cent extended.
A lanyard is holding it in place.
Any attempt at re-opening the wing - which is seven metres in diameter - would not occur before mid-November.
The problem has so far not affected Lucy's outbound flight, so there is no rush to figure out the next step, according to NASA.
Everything else on the spacecraft is working properly.
The nearly $US1 billion ($A1.3 billion) mission seeks to explore seven so-called Trojan asteroids that share Jupiter's orbit around the sun and another space rock closer to home.
Lucy should swoop within 965km of each target.
Australian Associated Press
