Hubble Space Telescope to Resume Science Operations After Gyroscope Glitch
The iconic Hubble Space Telescope is set to resume science operations after experiencing a gyroscope glitch in November. The glitch triggered the telescope to enter safe mode, pausing its scientific observations for several days.
NASA engineers quickly identified the issue as originating from one of the telescope's six gyroscopes, which are used to help it point and stay stable during observations. The faulty gyroscope was providing inaccurate readings, causing the telescope to jitter slightly.
To address the problem, the team commanded Hubble to perform a series of maneuvers and switch the gyro between different operational modes. This process successfully cleared what is believed to be a blockage within the gyro that was causing the false readings.
After further testing and monitoring confirmed that the gyro was functioning normally, the mission team brought Hubble back online. Science observations resumed on December 4th, 2023, much to the relief of astronomers around the world.
"We're thrilled to have Hubble back in science operations," said Kenneth Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, which manages Hubble for NASA. "The telescope is a vital tool for our understanding of the universe, and we're excited to see what new discoveries it will make in the years to come."
While the gyroscope glitch caused a temporary disruption to Hubble's operations, it is not a major setback for the telescope. Hubble still has three other gyroscopes that are functioning normally, and it can operate with as few as three. The team is taking steps to mitigate the risk of future issues with the glitching gyroscope, such as operating it in a higher-precision mode during science observations.
The Hubble Space Telescope has been in orbit for over 33 years and has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. It has made countless groundbreaking discoveries, including the expansion rate of the universe, the existence of dark matter, and the age of the universe.
Hubble is expected to continue operating for several more years, and it remains one of the most productive scientific instruments ever built. Thanks to the hard work of NASA engineers and scientists, Hubble will continue to explore the universe and reveal its secrets for years to come.
This article is based on information from NASA.