On May 24, the Hubble spacecraft was forced to enter a safe mode due to an ongoing issue with one of its gyros. Gyroscopes are essential for determining and controlling the direction in which the telescope is pointed, making them a crucial component of the spacecraft’s operations. For the past six months, this particular gyro had been providing faulty readings, causing interruptions in science operations on several occasions.
In order to address this issue, the Hubble team made a significant adjustment by switching from a three-gyro operating mode to utilizing only one gyro for observations. This change allowed for more consistent science observations to continue while ensuring that at least one operational gyro remained available for future use. The decision to transition to a single gyro operating mode was discussed in detail during a media teleconference held on June 4th.
Despite the challenges posed by the malfunctioning gyro, the Hubble team has been working diligently to maintain the spacecraft’s ability to conduct important scientific research. By implementing this new operating mode, they have been able to minimize disruptions to the telescope’s observations while also preserving the functionality of the remaining gyros for future use. It is a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise that they have been able to adapt to this unexpected situation and continue to make valuable contributions
