NASA's Hubble Space telescope to be eased into retirement; Here's why

Representative image

Modi-Meloni Exchange After Verdict 2024 Viral; Italian PM Lauds Indian Leader For 'Good Work'

The Hubble Space Telescope , an icon of space exploration and scientific discovery , has encountered a significant operational challenge. On May 24, 2024, Hubble entered safe mode due to a gyroscope issue , temporarily suspending its science operations. This setback has prompted NASA to implement a shift in the telescope’s operations to ensure its continued functionality.Hubble’s gyroscopes are critical components that measure and control the telescope’s orientation in space. Of the six gyroscopes installed during the last servicing mission in 2009, three remain active. However, one of these has been returning faulty readings for the past six months, leading to multiple safe mode engagements and interrupted observations. The problematic gyroscope is experiencing “saturation,” where it falsely indicates the maximum slew rate regardless of the spacecraft’s actual movement.To address this, NASA has decided to transition Hubble to operate with a single gyroscope, keeping another as a backup. This operational mode had been considered previously and will involve reconfiguring both the spacecraft and ground systems. The transition is expected to be completed by mid-June 2024, allowing Hubble to resume its scientific endeavors.Despite the current difficulties, NASA remains optimistic about Hubble’s future. Patrick Crouse, the Hubble project manager, expressed confidence in the telescope’s ability to continue groundbreaking science through the 2020s and into the 2030s. Mark Clampin, director of astrophysics at NASA Headquarters, also commented on the situation, stating that while a commercial mission to boost Hubble’s altitude was considered, it has been ruled out for the time being due to potential risks and technological challenges.The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, aboard the shuttle Discovery. It overcame an initial hurdle of a flawed primary mirror to become a symbol of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. Over the years, Hubble has provided invaluable insights into the universe, from the behavior of distant galaxies to the atmospheres of exoplanets.As NASA works to overcome this latest obstacle, the scientific community eagerly awaits the return of Hubble’s unique perspective on the cosmos. The telescope’s legacy of discovery is set to continue, complementing the work of other observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope and the future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Together, these instruments will carry on the quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe, a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration that defines our species.