All articles tagged with #servicing mission
NASA has transitioned the Hubble Space Telescope to single-gyroscope operation after another gyroscope failed, allowing it to continue its scientific mission. Despite debates on whether another servicing mission is feasible, the HST remains functional, with some suggesting private funding for future repairs.
Today marks the thirtieth anniversary of the first servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), which was launched with a flaw in its main mirror that reduced its capabilities. The mission was crucial for NASA's reputation and involved replacing the mirror, upgrading the telescope's components, and fixing other issues. The success of the mission restored the HST's functionality and paved the way for four subsequent servicing missions. The HST has since become a science powerhouse, providing stunning imagery and contributing to our understanding of the universe. However, the telescope recently faced new challenges with ongoing gyroscope issues that require fixing.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is currently in safe mode due to a problem with one of its gyroscopes, prompting discussions about the possibility of a private mission to reboost and potentially repair the spacecraft. Billionaire Jared Isaacman, backing the Polaris program of SpaceX private astronaut missions, expressed interest in the mission. SpaceX and NASA previously conducted a feasibility study for a private mission to service Hubble, but no details about the results or next steps have been disclosed. Other companies, including Astroscale and Momentus, have also submitted proposals for commercial missions to reboost Hubble. While a reboost mission is considered feasible, there are doubts about the ability to perform complex repairs in orbit and concerns about the cost, especially as NASA faces potential budget cuts.