Gyroscope Problem Causes Temporary Halt to Hubble Space Telescope Science
However, subsequent problems were encountered as the result of the updates sent during the gyroscope reconfiguration. This lead to inability of the HST to accurately aim at certain targets. Additional data uploads allowed the HST to resume normal science operations. A number of investigations were not performed as a result of these problems and will be performed at a later date. The HST encountered another minor malfunction and pause in science operations in March when sensors on the telescope were confused by a portion of the Earth’s magnetic field. Daily Reports “Due to the gyro bias update reflecting the new gyro complement that “At 118/201403Z, per HSTAR 8189, the HST entered Zero Gyro Sun Point Background Links
Over the weekend, the Hubble Space Telescope entered into Zero Gyro Sun Point (ZGSP) mode when gyroscope #5 malfunctioned. This gyroscope was shut down and Gyro #2 was turned on. Once the HST’s gyroscopes were re-configured the telescope‘s normal plan of operations were resumed.
was uplinked at 120/0000Z (HSTAR 8192), there were a series of FGS
acquisition and FHST update failures (HSTAR 8196). A series of attitude
reference updates (ARUs) were performed but were unsuccessful in regaining
FGS control until a new RGA table load was uplinked at 121/0016Z. Another
ARU was executed at 121/0343Z and the subsequent FGS acquisitions were
successful.”
(ZGSP) mode when the gyro #5 motor currents exceeded the motor current
safemode test limit. The motor current reached approximately 330
mAmps. Gyro #2 was powered on and gyro #5 was powered off at 118/2309Z. A gyro re-configuration was completed by 119/0252Z. Normal science operations re-commenced at 120/0000Z with the intercept of the science SMS.”
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