A dedicated team successfully established communication with the space appart ISEE-3 after a 15-year freeze

The device ISEE-3, designed to study Earth's magnetic field, solar wind and then the comet, was launched in 1978. He successfully completed his mission in 1999 and has since been mothballed. Recently a group of space enthusiasts agreed with NASA successfully conducted kraudfandingovuyu campaign to regain control over the satellite.

Yesterday, May 29, with a huge radio telescope Arecibo Observatory, удалось liaise with the ISEE-3 at 512 bits per second. In the coming days, the project team will receive telemetry data from the unit. If all systems are working properly, in mid-June will have a unique opportunity to include a short while engines apparatus (in its tanks should be a little more fuel) to take advantage of the gravitational field of the moon to change the orbit of the satellite and then continuing to work with him. To do this, you need to diagnose and download the new flight. If you do not succeed, ISEE-3 will be lost forever.



The transceiver for communication with the ISEE-3 installed on the 305-meter reflector telescope. I>



Source: habrahabr.ru/post/224649/