NASA officials are not sure why the hydrogen began melting, but some have theorized that a telescope cover may have ejected prematurely, exposing the system to direct sunlight. The satellite does not have thrusters of its own; less powerful magnetic torque wheels gently steer the spacecraft.
The aim of the mission was to help scientists better understand how and why galaxies formed. The craft is equipped with a 12.5-in. Cassegrain telescope with IR detectors.