NASA’s space telescope in trouble after mechanical failure

NASA’s space telescope has got the space agency in trouble after it was hit by a mechanical failure, leading NASA to put the telescope in safe mode.

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope launched back in 1990 in Earth’s low orbit just went through a trouble after its gyroscope, used for pointing and stabilizing the observatory, failed, leaving it unable to point in the right direction. NASA then announced that due to the mechanical malfunction, the observatory was put into a safe mode, putting science observations on hold.

The Hubble team is working to resume science after Hubble entered safe mode due to 1 of 3 gyros failing. Analysis and testing on the backup gyro are ongoing to determine why it is not performing as expected. For more info: https://t.co/T72X4pjLPI

— Hubble (@NASAHubble) October 8, 2018

Hubble, used for observing distant stars, galaxies and planets in our solar system, comprised of six gyroscopes that it used to point and keep itself steady for observations. The telescope was able to operate without one or two of them. However, until now the telescope was operating with three of its gyros, the minimum required for its functioning. Now, the number was decreased to two, wrote Engadget.

Rachel Osten, the deputy mission head for the observatory, informed that the plan right now is to try reviving the previously failed gyroscope in order to replace the new failed one, a task that could take weeks to accomplish. Till then, Hubble will remain in safe mode.

It’s true. Very stressful weekend. Right now HST is in safe mode while we figure out what to do. Another gyro failed. First step is try to bring back the last gyro, which had been off, and is being problematic.

— Dr. Rachel Osten (@rachelosten) October 8, 2018

Osten said that if the current plan didn’t works out, they will take Hubble down to one gyroscope, which at this point doesn’t make a difference with two and one gyros. This process though will affect the ability to point and stabilize the 28-year-old telescope for longer periods, but will also enable the team to extend the telescope’s life.

It’s not a difficult decision, @astrogrant: the plan has always been to drop to 1-gyro mode when two remain. There isn’t much difference between 2- and 1, and it buys lots of extra observing time. Which the Astro community wants desperately.

— Dr. Rachel Osten (@rachelosten) October 8, 2018