Summary: ESA’s Gaia spacecraft, launched in 2013, is on a mission to map over a billion stars in the Milky Way with precision. Recent challenges include space dust and a solar storm damaging the spacecraft. A micrometeoroid struck Gaia, while an electronics failure caused false star detections. The spacecraft operators collaborated to modify software thresholds and refocus optics, improving data quality. Gaia transmits data to Earth daily, overcoming obstacles caused by recent incidents. Despite these challenges, Gaia continues to operate successfully, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the team involved.
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Double_trouble_Gaia_hit_by_micrometeoroid_and_solar_storm