11 months, 1 week ago

Hubble goes blind in space: Science ops shut, telescope in safe mode

The Hubble telescope has been put in safe mode in the coldness of space, days after it marked the 34th anniversary of its launch from Earth. As one of its three gyroscopes gave faulty readings, the onboard computer automatically directed the telescope into safe mode. The American space agency said that Hubble uses three gyros to maximise efficiency, but could continue to make science observations with only one gyro if required. "We anticipate Hubble will continue making groundbreaking discoveries, working with other observatories, such as the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope, throughout this decade and possibly into the next," Nasa said in a statement.

India Today

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