NASA has temporarily suspended science activities for the Hubble Space Telescope due to a faulty gyroscope sending incorrect readings back to Earth. The telescope, renowned for its stunning views of the cosmos, was placed in safe mode while waiting for further instructions from ground control. Although the issue with the gyro is not new – it caused Hubble to be put in safe mode in November 2023 as well – NASA is currently working on potential solutions to resolve the problem.
The gyroscopes on Hubble are vital for measuring its rotation rate, helping operators understand its orientation. If necessary, Hubble could potentially operate with just one gyro while the other is placed in reserve. Despite this setback, NASA remains confident that Hubble will continue making groundbreaking discoveries alongside other observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope. The agency expects Hubble to continue its mission for years to come, possibly into the next decade.