Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates 34th Anniversary but Enters Safe Mode Again Due to Gyroscope Problem.
In 2018, the Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 34th anniversary since its launch from Earth. Recently, the telescope has been put into safe mode in space due to an ongoing gyroscope issue. NASA is currently working to resolve the problem that caused the telescope to enter safe mode on April 23.
The gyroscopes are responsible for measuring the telescope’s turn rates and direction, and one of them gave faulty readings, prompting the telescope to enter safe mode. This issue is not new as Hubble had previously entered safe mode due to a gyroscope problem in November 2018. The team is working on identifying potential solutions to resolve this current issue. If necessary, the spacecraft can operate with only one gyro while the others remain in reserve.
Hubble had six gyroscopes installed during a space shuttle servicing mission in 2009, and three of them are still operational. Despite this setback, NASA remains confident in Hubble’s ability to continue making groundbreaking discoveries and scientific observations. The telescope has made over 1.6 million observations and contributed to 44,000 scientific papers. To mark its anniversary, astronomers captured a new image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula, located 3,400 light-years away. Additionally, NASA is looking forward to Hubble’s continued collaboration with other observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope in the coming years.
In conclusion, while Hubble has faced challenges before due to gyroscope issues
