The problem arose when one of the three gyroscopes gave incorrect readings. The team is working to fix the problem, but for now all scientific missions are suspended
NASA has suspended all current science missions of the Hubble telescope due to a gyroscope malfunction. The problem arose on November 19, when the telescope went into safe mode after one of its three gyroscopes gave erroneous readings.
The team quickly resumed work after fixing the problem, but the unstable gyroscope attracted attention twice, causing the telescope to go into safe mode again on November 21 and 23.
After the incident on November 21, the agency was able to restore operations. However, on November 23, the telescope went into safe mode again, prompting NASA to suspend all science missions until the cause was determined.
Hubble Telescope temporarily suspends science missions due to faulty gyroscope
Gyroscopes are important components of the Hubble Telescope, helping to measure its rotation speed and determine its direction. The NASA team is actively working to determine the cause of the gyroscope malfunction.
The gyroscopes were last replaced during the shuttle’s fifth and final executive mission in 2009. Six gyros were replaced as part of this mission, and the faulty gyro is one of three that are still operational. Despite the need for another service mission, NASA believes Hubble will continue to make breakthrough discoveries with the James Webb Telescope for the rest of this decade, and possibly well into the next.
The space agency has not released details about when it hopes to return Hubble to service once the gyroscope problem is fixed. Even if you need to turn off the faulty gyroscope, the telescope will be able to continue working, since NASA claims that for Hubble to continue moving and participate in scientific missions, one working gyroscope is enough.
Hubble launched in 1990 and spent 33 years exploring our Universe, giving us iconic views of the cosmos, including a spectacular view of the Creation Pillars, which was also photographed by astrophotographers and the James Webb Telescope.
