Hubble Space Telescope to Remain Operational with Reduced Observations until 2035

The Hubble Space Telescope has encountered trouble with one of its three remaining gyroscopes, essential for aiming and locking onto targets. The issue has led mission managers to implement a backup control mode that will limit some observations. However, this will ensure that the iconic observatory continues operating effectively well into the 2030s, according to officials.

During an afternoon teleconference, Hubble project manager Patrick Crouse expressed confidence in the high reliability and likelihood of successfully operating the telescope through the rest of the '20s and into the 2030s, despite the limitations imposed by the backup control mode.

Proposed Commercial Mission and Alternative Options

Meanwhile, NASA has ruled out, at least for now, a proposed commercial mission to boost Hubble to a higher altitude using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The rationale behind the flight, suggested by SpaceX and Crew Dragon veteran Jared Isaacman, aimed to extend Hubble's lifetime by reducing the subtle effects of "drag" in the extreme outer atmosphere. The potential benefits of the mission were considered, but project managers have confirmed that Hubble is not in danger of falling back to Earth in the near future. The latest calculations show that the observatory will remain in orbit until at least 2035, providing sufficient time to consider possible options, if necessary, in the future.

Mark Clampin, director of astrophysics at NASA Headquarters, emphasized that while the reboost remains an option for the future, additional work is required to determine whether the long-term science return will outweigh the short-term science risk. The decision not to pursue a reboost at present is based on in-depth analysis conducted by NASA and program partners, taking into account potential risks such as premature loss of science and technology challenges.

Hubble's Decades of Service in Space

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, initially encountered challenges due to a flaw in its primary mirror. However, through a series of spacewalking repair missions, engineers were able to correct the telescope's vision and enhance its capabilities.

NASA conducted four more servicing missions after the initial setback, installing new instruments and replacing aging components to ensure the telescope's continued functionality. The gyroscopes, critical for the telescope's movement and stability during observations, were also replaced during these missions.

Gyroscope Failures and Operation Adjustments

Despite replacing the gyroscopes during the final servicing mission in 2009, all three of the older-model gyroscopes had failed by the telescope's 30th anniversary in 2020. Consequently, engineers have developed a plan for one-gyroscope operations to prolong Hubble's life, despite the limitations it imposes on scheduling science observations and targeting certain areas of the sky. The telescope will be operated with just one gyroscope, with the other remaining in reserve for use as needed.

Projected Reliability and Future Operations

Even with the adjustments, project managers expressed confidence in the telescope's continued operation with one gyroscope, projecting a greater than 70 percent probability of operating at least one gyroscope through 2035. They also plan to implement the one-gyroscope control mode in the coming days and return Hubble to science operations by the middle of the month.