 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hubble Offline Until Discovery Arrives
Washington - November 15, 1999 - NASA's Hubble Space Telescope was placed into a safe hold at approximately 8:30 a.m. EST Saturday morning when gyroscope #1 ceased operation. With only two operational gyros remaining, the science program will be suspended until completion of Servicing Mission 3A, currently scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 6, 1999. This gyro situation is not expected to impact the upcoming servicing mission. In fact, anticipation that another gyro could fail was the primary reason that Hubble managers scheduled an early repair mission and split the third servicing mission activities into two flights: Servicing Mission-3A (Dec. 6, 1999) and Servicing Mission-3B (Mid-2001). "This event underscores the wisdom of dividing the third HST Servicing Mission into two parts, with Servicing Mission 3A scheduled for December 1999 -- only 3 weeks of science data will be lost," said Dr. John Campbell, Hubble Space Telescope Program Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. The safe-hold mode has been thoroughly tested and used twice since Hubble's launch in 1990. The telescope is not at risk. This protective safe mode allows ground control of the telescope, but with only two gyros working, Hubble cannot be aimed with the precision necessary for scientific observations of the sky. The safe mode does not require gyros, so even if another gyro should fail in the next few weeks, HST will remain safe, according to project managers. The aperture door has been closed to protect the optics, and the spacecraft is aligned to the sun to ensure adequate power is received by Hubble's solar panels. Engineers are investigating the cause of the gyro loss. The gyro will be returned to ground after the upcoming servicing mission for in-depth analysis. During Servicing Mission 3A, astronauts will replace all the gyroscopes, a fine guidance sensor, a transmitter, a spare solid- state recorder and a high-voltage/temperature kit for protecting batteries from overheating. Additionally, the crew will install an advanced computer. Servicing Mission 3B will be conducted in 2001 to complete the third HST servicing mission activities.
Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Space
Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India.
--------------------------------------------------------- It's new. And it's downright terrific! Celestron's CPC Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is the scope you've been waiting for! It offers new alignment technology, advanced engineering, and bold new design at a new, low price! In fact, Celestron's Professional Computerized (CPC) scope with revolutionary SkyAlign Alignment Technology redefines everything that amateur astronomers are looking for. It offers quick and simple alignment, GPS technology, unsurpassed optical quality, ease of use, advanced ergonomics, enhanced computerization and, most important, affordability. Want to view M-31 tonight? One button takes you there!
Shop for telescopes online at Telescopes.com! today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
