NASA will change the way it operates Hubble after groundbreaking telescope pauses operations

The Hubble Space Telescope is making changes to its operations to prevent lapses in its ability to observe the universe. The telescope traditionally used six gyroscopes to control its direction. As the telescope ages, some of the gyroscopes have stopped functioning. One of the three remaining gyroscopes has been returning faulty readings, causing the telescope to enter safe mode multiple times. The team has decided to operate Hubble using only one gyro and keeping the other as a backup. While this change reduces efficiency and flexibility, it is expected to prolong Hubble’s lifespan.