Back
63· Active
Health & Science3h 11m ago
A NASA investigation blamed software weaknesses, human error, and an undocumented failure for causing significant damage to the DSS-14 antenna.
Archive Window: 7 Days Left
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, near Barstow, California
Who
NASA officials, Kevin Coggins, Joel Montalbano
What
A NASA investigation blamed software weaknesses, human error, and an undocumented failure for causing significant damage to the DSS-14 antenna.
When
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:30:59 GMT · 3h 11m ago
Where
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, near Barstow, California ·
Why
The DSS-14 antenna over-rotated on September 16, 2025, due to an unnoticed electrical issue, leading to operators inadvertently bypassing safeguards and causing extensive damage.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
Damage to the DSS-14 antenna, crucial for deep space communication, will cost NASA an estimated $4.1 to $4.6 million in repairs and highlights systemic issues within the Deep Space Network regarding procedures, training, and operational discipline. The antenna is not expected to be fully repaired until October 2028, impacting ongoing and future deep space missions.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- Health & Science3h 11m agoA NASA investigation concluded that human error, software weaknesses, and an undocumented failure caused significant damage to a 70-meter radio frequency antenna at its Deep Space Network.Open article
- Health & Science3h 11m agoNASA's DSS-14 antenna was damaged on September 16, 2025, due to over-rotating, attributed to software weaknesses, human error, and an undocumented failure.Open article
- Currently Reading3h 11m agoA NASA investigation blamed software weaknesses, human error, and an undocumented failure for causing significant damage to the DSS-14 antenna.