NASA Officials Report Hubble Equipment Failure Leads to Reduced Observations
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—Hubble has encountered additional issues.
The space telescope entered a hibernation state over a week ago when one of its three remaining gyroscopes, a part of the pointing system, malfunctioned. This particular device had been causing problems for months, disrupting scientific operations.
NASA announced on Tuesday that attempts to repair it were unsuccessful, and Hubble will now operate with only one gyroscope, limiting its scientific capabilities.
This adjustment will keep Hubble inactive until mid-June. The telescope will not be as agile as before and will take longer to focus on targets. While it may not be able to conduct as many observations, officials believe it will continue to make discoveries through the remainder of this decade and into the next.
“We do not view Hubble as being near the end of its operations,” stated NASA project manager Patrick Crouse.
At present, the space agency is not considering a mission to boost the observatory to a higher orbit to extend its lifespan, according to Mark Clampin, NASA’s astrophysics director.
Related Stories
A billionaire who has booked SpaceX flights offered to fund and execute the repair. However, Mr. Clampin noted that the risks outweigh the potential benefits, and further analysis is required.
Hubble was launched into orbit in 1990, but early excitement turned to concern when its vision was found to be blurry due to a misshapen mirror. Repair work by spacewalking astronauts restored its vision, allowing the telescope to observe ancient galaxies and other wonders of the universe with astonishing clarity.
During the astronauts’ last maintenance visit in 2009, Hubble received six new gyroscopes, but three of them have been non-functional for years. These gyroscopes’ spinning wheels are crucial for stabilizing the telescope and maintaining the correct orientation by tracking Hubble’s movements in space.
One of the two remaining gyroscopes will be designated for pointing, while the other will be kept in reserve for future use.
Hubble’s successor, the Webb Space Telescope, which is larger and more powerful, was launched in 2021.
By Marcia Dunn
