FP TrendingMar 12, 2021 15:01:07 IST
One of NASA’s most important assets, the Hubble Space Telescope, had to be temporarily shut down and placed in “safe mode” on March 8. The shuttle launched into orbit in 1990 in a joint venture of NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) has been working and serving scientists around the world for nearly two decades. But the actions have now been postponed. NASA announced the news via their official Twitter device stating that the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has entered safe mode due to a software error on board around 4:00 am EST Sunday. The organization has ensured that “all science systems appear normal and that Hubble is safe and stable”. The arrest will be made until further notice.
The Hubble Space Telescope has completed 30 years in space. Image courtesy of NASA
Talking to Fox News, NASA informed the media that their team is working to ensure that Hubble returns to scientific work as soon as possible. “The Hubble Space Telescope is in good condition but remains in safe mode as a warning while the team works to fully understand the error that occurred on Sunday and the associated safe mode response, ”They said.
At ~ 4:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, the Hubble Space Telescope went into safe mode due to an on-board software error. All science systems appear normal and Hubble is safe and stable. The team is working on plans to safely return it to normal science work. pic.twitter.com/6JlSSHisLd
– Hubble (@NASAHubble) March 8, 2021
This is not the first time the HST has been put in safe mode. Some technical moves in 2018 forced the organizations involved to put the telescope in safe mode for a short time. The group then explained what the safe method is. It is a position that helps to place the telescope in a “stable arrangement that prevents scientific ideas”. It also places HST solar panels toward the sun, as it works on solar energy, to get redecoration. It will soon work as before.
HST has been instrumental in many astronomical discoveries since its launch into orbit. It is the first major optical telescope to operate directly from space – offering it a barrier view of the vast cosmos. It helps us study not only our own solar system but galaxies far, far away.
according to Mashable, “Hubble has provided over 1.3 million comments since its mission began in 1990”.