2023-11-30 13:40:22
Hubble Telescope – NASA
MADRID, 30 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
NASA is working to resume scientific operations of the Hubble Space Telescope after it entered safe mode on Nov. 23 due to a “ongoing problem” with the gyroscope.
Despite this, Hubble’s instruments are stable and the telescope is in good health, according to a statement from the agency.
The telescope automatically entered safe mode when one of its three gyroscopes gave erroneous readings. Gyroscopes measure the rotation speed of the telescope and They are part of the system that determines which direction the telescope points. While in safe mode, scientific operations are suspended and the telescope awaits new directions from Earth.
Hubble first entered safe mode on November 19. Although the operations team successfully recovered the spacecraft to resume observations the next day, the unstable gyroscope caused the observatory to suspend science operations once again on November 21. After a successful recovery, Hubble entered safe mode again on November 23.
The team is now conducting tests to characterize the problem and develop solutions. If necessary, the spacecraft can be reconfigured to operate with a single gyroscope. The spacecraft had six new gyroscopes installed during the fifth and final space shuttle servicing mission in 2009.
To date, three of those gyros remain operational, including the gyro currently experiencing fluctuations. Hubble uses three gyroscopes to maximize efficiency, but could continue making scientific observations with a single gyro if necessary.
NASA anticipates that Hubble “will continue to make innovative discoveries”working with other observatories, such as the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope, throughout this decade and possibly into the next. Launched in 1990, Hubble has been observing the universe for more than 33 years.
?
#Gyroscope #problem #puts #Hubble #telescope #hold