Astronomy current events question: end of Herschel space telescope mission

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)

United Press International, "Space Telescope Nears End of Mission," March 5, 2013
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/wires?id=183042792&c=y

The European Space Agency's Herschel infrared space telescope will end its observing mission due to:
(A) no more liquid helium coolant.
(B) software that cannot be upgraded.
(C) misaligned solar panels.
(D) cracks in its primary mirror.
(E) a reactor radiation leak.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 37 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 8 students
(E) : 2 students