Hubble Space Telescope science instruments in safe mode
The Hubble Space Telescope science instruments recently went into safe mode after experiencing internal communication and spacecraft syncing issues. Photo Credit: NASA
Early last week, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope instruments went into a protective safe mode after experiencing issues with internal communication and spacecraft syncing issues.
According to Hubble support team members, the instruments have remained in safe mode since Oct. 25, 2021, while team members continue to investigate.
During this phase of utility exploration into Hubble’s latest issue, all science operations are suspended for the telescope.
On Oct. 23, the telescope’s instruments began to issue error codes at 1:46 a.m. EDT signifying the loss of synchronization of messages and communication problems internally.
Teams reset the instruments allowing science and discovery operations to resume the next morning, but at 2:38 a.m. Oct. 25, instruments issued error codes representing numerous losses of synchronized messages, the spacecraft then autonomously entered safe mode where it remains at this time.
Support staff for the Hubble Space Telescope are developing procedures that will help them better understand the synchronization issue and how to approach data collection and resolutions during and for the current loss in operations.
NASA said the process is expected to take a week. Meanwhile, the 31-year-old spacecraft itself is operational.
Theresa Cross
Theresa Cross grew up on the Space Coast. It’s only natural that she would develop a passion for anything “Space” and its exploration. During these formative years, she also discovered that she possessed a talent and love for defining the unique quirks and intricacies that exist in mankind, nature, and machines. Hailing from a family of photographers—including her father and her son, Theresa herself started documenting her world through pictures at a very early age. As an adult, she now exhibits an innate photographic ability to combine what appeals to her heart and her love of technology to deliver a diversified approach to her work and artistic presentations. Theresa has a background in water chemistry, fluid dynamics, and industrial utility.
