A power glitch that triggered an explosion was responsible for the loss of
WIRE, the Wide-Field Infrared Explorer spacecraft. Shortly after launch, the
satellite spun out of control as vital coolant leaked out into space
(This Week, 13 March, p 5).
The NASA board investigating the WIRE mishap has concluded that the
spacecraft failed when the telescope’s cover blew off prematurely. The fault lay
with a badly designed electronics box.
