Hubble Space Telescope Adopts New Mode to Extend Operational Life
NASA switches to single-gyroscope control to preserve Hubble's functionality through the 2030s despite recent failures.
- Hubble will operate using one gyroscope instead of three, reducing observation efficiency by 12%.
- The new mode will limit Hubble's ability to observe certain targets but ensures continued scientific research.
- NASA has decided against a commercial mission to boost Hubble's orbit for now, focusing on current capabilities.
- The telescope is expected to remain functional until at least 2035, with ongoing assessments for future missions.
- Hubble continues to complement the James Webb Space Telescope, contributing valuable astronomical data.