After malfunction, Hubble Telescope switches to single gyroscope mode to extend its lifespan

It is natural that the Hubble Space Telescope, which has orbited the Earth more than 31 thousand times in 34 years, has begun to feel the “weight of age”. on May 24 The powerful device suddenly stopped making scientific observations and went into special security mode.after detecting strange readings from one of its gyroscopes.

In a press release, NASA stated that the faulty hardware could not be repaired, which would leave Hubble with only two gyroscopes because it had been operating with only three of the six gyroscopes available for some time. Then, the agency decided to switch the telescope to gyroscope mode and keep the healthy one as a spare for future use.

Gyroscopes are important to Hubble’s operation because they measure the rates of change of its three axes (roll, pitch, and yaw). Additionally, these instruments allow the mission team to point to the cosmic target to be explored from Earth.

Hubble Telescope’s gyroscope is changing

In addition to this “cataract surgery” in low Earth orbit, Hubble has already received a total of 22 instruments; nine of which were already faulty. In normal operation, three gyroscopes point towards space, while the remaining three serve as backup. However, before the failure, Hubble was operating with two working gyroscopes and a spare.

Using two gyroscopes practically does not change the way Hubble operates, since other sensors on board can change the characteristics of the missing equipment. However, monogyro operation will bring some limitations.

First, “the observatory will need more time to focus on a scientific objective and will not have as much flexibility in where it can observe at a given time,” NASA explains. In addition, it will no longer be possible to track moving objects closer to us than Mars.

What will happen to the Hubble telescope next?

Finally, an expected reduction in the time to move from one scientific goal to another. can delay planning of operations by up to 12%Hubble project manager Patrick Crouse of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center said in a conference call.

Denying the knowledge that the iconic space telescope is in the final stages of its existence, the aeronautical engineer stated that after evaluating the reliability of the gyroscopes, his team concluded that “the probability of operating at least one gyroscope by 2035 is greater than 70%.” .

As with all the great heroes of science, he is also logical. The Hubble Telescope will reach the end of its career in the mid-2030s, with or without a gyroscope. This is the beginning of the window for the drag effect (friction with the atmosphere) to increase and lead the observatory into a natural burning process.

Did you like the content? So stay up to date with more curiosities about the universe at TecMundo and take the opportunity to see photos of bright galaxies on a collision course taken by the Hubble Telescope. To the next one!