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[b]Chandra X-ray Observatory Returns to Science Operations[/b] NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has returned to science operations as teams work towards resolving an anomaly in the High Resolution Camera (HRC) that occurred on Aug. 24. After isolating an issue to electronics in use since launch in 1999 (far longer than the mission design life of 5 years) the team activated the camera's back-up set of electronics. On Sept. 7, the team turned on the HRC's shield, which tracks radiation levels to protect both the HRC and Chandra's Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) instrument from damage. After confirming that the shield was working and that additional safeguards against radiation damage were in place, Chandra resumed a full schedule of science observations on Sept. 12 using ACIS, which is used for about 95% of Chandra observations. The Chandra science instrument and engineering teams continue to analyze the HRC anomaly and are working to return the camera to normal science operations. Chandra is now well into its extended mission, and is funded through 2025 with options to extend through 2030.
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