NASA reported that the Hubble Space Telescope went into a safe mode on November 23rd due to an ongoing issue with its gyroscopes. The space agency is actively working to restart the telescope’s scientific operations. Despite this problem, the instruments of the Hubble remain steady, and it’s in good condition. Here are the details…

What Happen to the Hubble Telescope?

Launched in 1990, the Hubble has been exploring the universe for more than 33 years, playing a crucial role in enhancing our knowledge of space and supporting various space-related studies. According to NASA, the telescope entered safe mode automatically because one of its three gyroscopes provided inaccurate measurements. Gyroscopes are used to gauge the telescope’s rotation speed and position. During safe mode, scientific activities are paused while the telescope waits for new instructions from Earth.

NASA

Initially, the Hubble shifted to safe mode on November 19th. Although NASA’s team managed to restore operations the following day, an unstable gyroscope caused a halt in scientific activities again on November 21st. After a successful recovery, the Hubble re-entered safe mode on November 23rd.

Will the Hubble continue its mission?

NASA’s team is currently conducting tests to pinpoint the issue and find a solution. If necessary, they’ll adjust the spacecraft to function with a single gyroscope. During the final space shuttle servicing mission in 2009, six new gyroscopes were installed on the Hubble. Presently, three of these gyroscopes are still operational. While the Hubble ideally uses three gyroscopes for optimal efficiency, it can carry on with scientific observations using just one gyroscope if required.

NASA anticipates that, alongside other observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope, the Hubble will persist in making groundbreaking discoveries over the next decade and potentially longer, contributing significantly to scientific exploration during this time.

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