Science operations have been suspended as a result, but the space agency doesnt seem too worried.
The space telescope, operating in low Earth orbit, automatically entered safe mode on November 23.
The gyroscope is crucial for measuring the telescopes turn rates and ensuring its pointing in the desired direction.
Open Cluster NGC 1858, as imaged by Hubble in 2022.Image: NASA, ESA and G. Gilmore (University of Cambridge); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)
The telescope experienced similar safe mode events in2008,2018, and2019.
Most recently, Hubble overcame amajor computer glitch in June 2021and another software issue earlier that year.
The team at NASA is currently running tests to better understand the issue and develop possible solutions.
In 2009’s Servicing Mission 4, NASA astronaut Mike Massimino replaced all gyroscopes in Hubble’s Rate Sensor Units.Photo: NASA
If necessary, the spacecraft can be reconfigured tooperate with just one gyroscope.
Out of these, three remain operational, including the one currently exhibiting fluctuations.
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