On June 13, Hubble had a problem with one of its computers and had to switch to Safe Mode. Since then, NASA has tried to find a solution to get the Hubble Space Telescope back to work and collect science data again. More than a month has passed, but they have finally succeeded: Hubble is operational again, as explained in a Press release The NASA.
This is not the first time that Hubble has broken down. In fact, up to five times the space telescope has received a visit from some astronauts to repair it. What’s more, it could be said that there is nothing left of the original Hubble after so many arrangements and instrument changes.
It appears that the problem was with the power supply of a key computer. This takes care of control, coordinate and supervise Hubble’s science instruments. This was the reason why the tools of the space telescope became Safe Mode. “A series of multi-day tests, which included attempts to reboot and reconfigure the computer and the backup computer, were unsuccessful, but the information gathered from those activities has led the Hubble team to determine that the possible cause of the problem is in the Power Control Unit (PCU), “NASA said in the statement.
Hubble, immortal
And in the end they have managed to fix the failure. Now the Hubble Space Telescope can continue to operate. In these more than 30 years of work “he has made more than 1.5 million observations of the universe and published more than 18,000 scientific articles with your data“, says the US agency.
“Hubble is an icon that has provided us with incredible insight into the cosmos over the past three decades,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in the statement. “I am proud of the Hubble team, from current members to alumni of the telescope who volunteered to lend their support and expertise. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, Hubble will continue to build his legacy 31 years old, broadening our horizons with his vision of the universe. ”
Hubble was launched in 1990 and is expected to continue for a few more years at the moment. In fact, still there is no date marked on the calendar in order to retire to hubble. In addition, NASA hopes that it will be able to work one season alongside the James Webb space telescope, which NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are expected to launch in the last quarter of the year. The Webb will be the longest and most powerful space telescope we’ve shipped up there so far.