NASA's Hubble Telescope in safe mode after faulty readings
April 26 (UPI) -- Scientists at NASA are continuing work to restore operations to its Hubble Space Telescope, after pausing them earlier in the week due to issues with the orbiting instrument's gyroscope.
The space agency confirmed in a statement Friday all instruments are stable aboard the telescope, which turned 34 Wednesday, one day after NASA scientists put it into safe mode because of the ongoing issue.
The telescope's gyroscope has been giving faulty readings. The instrument helps determine which direction the telescope is pointing.
All science-related operations have been suspended while NASA works to fix the issue and eventually feed the telescope new directions.
Issues with Hubble's gyroscope have nagged the telescope dating back to last year.
Last December, NASA put the Hubble Space Telescope back into service following a week of having it in safe mode to address issues with the same steering system and related devices.
Faulty readings were being transmitted from the gyroscope similar to the ones currently plaguing the telescope.
At the time, the space agency ran diagnostics that found the observatory itself was intact and in good condition.
Six new gyros were installed in 2009 during the fifth and final space shuttle servicing mission. NASA's shuttle program was retired in 2011. Three of those remain operational today, including the one currently experiencing the faulty reading issues.
"Hubble uses three gyros to maximize efficiency, but could continue to make science observations with only one gyro if required," the agency said in a statement.
"NASA anticipates Hubble will continue making groundbreaking discoveries, working with other observatories, such as the agency's James Webb Space Telescope, throughout this decade and possibly into the next."
