Find Damage Problems, NASA Immediately Restart Hubble Telescope
JAKARTA - NASA has identified a potential fix for the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been running in 'safe mode' for a month in orbit.
A technical error has caused the satellite orbiting in space to suspend scientific operations. NASA has spent the last few weeks trying to figure out how to fix it.
Experts at NASA think the problem has to do with payload computers, a technology that's been around since the 1980s.
“A series of multiple-day tests, which included attempts to reboot and reconfigure the computer and the backup computer, were unsuccessful. However, the information gathered from the activity has led the Hubble team to determine that the possible cause of the problem is in the Power Control Unit (PCU)," said the source from the US space agency.
The PCU is responsible for sending a constant source of power to the telescope's computer and memory system. Fortunately, Hubble is equipped with a spare PCU and NASA will try to turn here to save the beloved spacecraft.
If all goes according to plan, it could take Hubble a few days to get back to business as usual.
"All testing procedures for the switch and associated review have been completed, and NASA management has given approval to proceed. The switch begins Thursday, July 15, and, if successful, will take several days to fully return the observatory to normal science operations," it added. NASA sources.
This aging telescope will actually be replaced by the delayed James Webb telescope set to launch in October.