杏吧原创

Bugs in software seem certain to hold up the launch of NASA鈥檚 next big space
telescope, the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility. The programs involved are
supposed to control the thrusters keeping the telescope in its correct position
if it has to enter 鈥渟afe mode鈥�. The emergency shutdown is triggered when the
craft suffers a malfunction or loses contact with ground control. NASA officials
are predicting a three or four-week delay from the scheduled launch of 21
January 1999, although the next flight opportunity may not be until 18
March.