A Reconfigured Hubble Will Be Back "On Mission", Shortly: NASA

A bit ago, we mentioned that NASA would likely reconfigure Hubble, both as to software on-board, and ground support firmware, hardware and software. . . to run on only one gyroscope.

Today, NASA confirmed this fix for a failing set of gyros. Here's that story:

. . .While continuing to make science observations in one-gyro mode, there are some expected minor limitations. The observatory will need more time to slew and lock onto a science target and won't have as much flexibility as to where it can observe at any given time. It also will not be able to track moving objects closer than Mars, though these are rare targets for Hubble.

The transition involves reconfiguring the spacecraft and ground system as well as assessing the impact to future planned observations. The team expects to resume science operations again by mid-June. Once in one-gyro mode, NASA anticipates Hubble will continue making new cosmic discoveries alongside other observatories, such as the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope and future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, for years to come.

Launched in 1990, Hubble has more than doubled its expected design lifetime, and has been observing the universe for more than three decades, recently celebrating its 34th anniversary. . . .

Now you know -- we will now likely get at least another decade of science from this workhorse space 'scope. Onward.

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