Hubble Space Telescope has stopped working!

Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has been observing the universe for over 33 years. Having made numerous significant discoveries, Hubble is currently going through a difficult period due to a gyroscope error. In a statement, NASA announced that the telescope has stopped working due to the error and that all scientific operations have been paused.

IT HAD ENTERED SAFE MODE

According to the report by Donanımhaber, NASA stated in a blog post that the agency is working to restore the Hubble Space Telescope's science operations after it entered safe mode on November 23 due to an ongoing gyroscope issue. The agency emphasized that Hubble's instruments are stable and the telescope itself is in good health.

NASA noted that Hubble entered safe mode because one of its three gyroscopes was providing faulty readings.

For those who are unaware, Hubble's gyroscopes measure the telescope's rotation rate, which is part of the system that determines which direction the telescope is pointing.

According to the statement, Hubble first entered safe mode on November 19. Although the operations team successfully recovered the spacecraft to resume observations the following day, the unstable gyroscope caused the observatory to suspend science activities once again on November 21. Following a successful recovery, Hubble entered safe mode once more on November 23.

THREE FUNCTIONAL GYROSCOPES REMAINED

The team is now conducting tests to identify the problem and develop a solution.

If necessary, the spacecraft can be reconfigured to operate with a single gyroscope. Six new gyroscopes were installed on Hubble during its fifth and final space shuttle servicing mission in 2009. To date, three of these gyroscopes, including the one currently experiencing fluctuations, have remained operational. Hubble uses three gyroscopes to maximize efficiency, but it can continue to perform scientific observations with just one if needed.

NASA anticipates that Hubble will continue to make groundbreaking discoveries throughout this decade and likely into the next, working in tandem with other observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope. However, this is not the first time Hubble has gone offline. The space observatory had previously entered safe mode in June due to an issue with its computer systems.

News Source: 12punto

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