The telescope went into safe mode on April 23. Safe mode is a protective mode that Hubble enters when it encounters a technical problem. It gives NASA a chance to diagnose and work on the glitch, but it also means Hubble isn't sending back any new science data. There is some good news, though. "Hubble's instruments are stable, and the telescope is in good health," the agency said.
The gyros help Hubble point in the right direction. Three of Hubble's six gyroscopes are operational, but one of those three gave faulty readings that triggered the safe mode. The same gyro previously sent the telescope into safe mode in November, so it's a lingering problem. "The team is currently working to identify potential solutions," NASA said. "If necessary, the spacecraft can be re-configured to operate with only one gyro, with the other remaining gyro placed in reserve."
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