Hubble's Hardware Failure Irreparable
NASA has announced the irreparable failure of critical hardware aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. However, the agency has devised an alternative plan to keep the iconic observatory functional.
In a press conference held on June 5th, NASA revealed that Hubble's malfunctioning gyroscopes, which provide the telescope with orientation and stability, cannot be fixed. The failure has reduced the number of operational gyroscopes from six to two.
Gyro Function and Operational Modes
Gyroscopes are essential for Hubble to identify its pointing direction and how it will adjust as it navigates the sky. Despite the setback, NASA engineers have developed a plan to extend Hubble's mission until 2035 utilizing an alternative operating mode.
Typically, Hubble operates using only three of its six gyroscopes, keeping the remaining three as backups. The observatory can also function with two gyroscopes, using other onboard sensors to compensate for the third.
Single-Gyro Mode: Challenges and Benefits
The planned single-gyro mode will have minimal impact on Hubble's performance. "We believe this is operationally the best approach for Hubble over the next decade or more because the vast majority of the observations that it does will be completely unaffected," said Mark Clampin, Director of NASA's Astrophysics Division.
However, there will be slight constraints. It will take longer to switch between scientific targets, potentially reducing scheduling efficiency by 12%.
Persistent Gyro Issues and Future Prospects
Hubble has grappled with gyro problems throughout its decades of operation. NASA astronauts have attempted to replace a total of 22 gyroscopes, with nine failed attempts.
By 2035, regardless of the remaining gyroscopes' status, Hubble may reach its end, as increased atmospheric drag after decades in orbit could cause it to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
NASA has explored ways to prevent this, including a proposed mission using a crewed SpaceX Dragon capsule to reboost Hubble's orbit, but no action has been taken yet.
Hubble's Legacy: A Three-Decade Reign
Despite the recent setback, the Hubble Space Telescope remains a key asset for NASA. It served as the primary space observatory from 1990 until the launch of the more powerful James Webb Space Telescope in 2022.
"Hubble has provided sharp, detailed views farther into space than any previous instrument. It has charted the evolution of galaxies, stars, nebulae, comets, exoplanets, and their moons, and confirmed the existence of black holes at the cores of galaxies," NASA stated.