Due to ongoing gyro issues, the Hubble Space Telescope will be transitioning to a new operating mode that utilizes only one gyro at a time. This strategic change aims to extend the telescope’s lifespan and preserve the remaining gyros. While the “one-gyro mode” will allow Hubble to continue its scientific observations and capture stunning space images, it will introduce some limitations. The telescope will take longer to shift between targets, leading to a reduction in observation quantity. Additionally, Hubble’s observational capabilities will be restricted to targets beyond Mars, excluding celestial bodies like the moon and Venus. Despite these limitations, NASA officials remain confident in Hubble’s continued scientific contributions throughout the 2020s and into the 2030s. They emphasize that the telescope is far from its operational twilight and remains a highly capable observatory with a wealth of scientific potential. NASA representatives have also dismissed the possibility of utilizing commercial technologies like SpaceX’s Polaris to boost Hubble’s orbit and extend its lifespan. However, they acknowledge that such options may be considered in the future. The transition to one-gyro mode involves reconfiguring both the spacecraft and ground systems, with the goal of resuming scientific operations in mid-June. In the meantime, Hubble continues to captivate us with its awe-inspiring images and scientific discoveries, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of astronomical exploration.
Hubble Space Telescope to Switch to One-Gyro Mode to Extend Lifespan
