scope:

Abstract:

ghteen days after launch of Deep Space 1, a spurious signal issued by the power distribution logic re-powered the primary heaters on the wax thermal actuators that had been used to release the DS1 solar arrays. The resulting short-circuit current could easily have damaged the power subsystem and jeopardized the mission. Power distribution circuitry should be designed to preclude inadvertent powering of wax thermal actuator heaters. Wax actuator circuitry should be designed to prevent a failure that leaves actuator heaters powered for an excessive period of time.