Could this be the end of an era? _______ Hubble Telescope's Main Camera Stops Working The Hubble Space Telescope's showcase camera has been offline since Monday, June 19. Managers are scrambling to use the observatory's other cameras as science operations continue. Meanwhile, engineers have yet to figure out what caused the camera to go into "safe mode," essentially a sleep state that prevents normal operations. "We're still investigating the problem and working on all sorts of contingencies," said Max Mutchler at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, where Hubble's science operations are run. "We're hoping for the best but preparing for other contingencies." full article
Different article totally different tone... ug. _____ Hubble Telescope's Main Camera Stops Working Meanwhile, engineers have yet to figure out what caused the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) to go into "safe mode," essentially a sleep state that prevents normal operations. But the outlook is bright. "We're very optimistic" that the camera will be fixed, said Ed Ruitberg, associate program manager for Hubble at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Ruitberg told SPACE.com that some potential causes have been ruled out and that the problem is likely with a low-voltage power supply interface, something between the batteries and a camera component. If that's the case, then redundant electronics can be relied on to bypass the problem area. full
It just can't battle against the elements. How would you like to sit around while someone throws microscopic rocks at you? You see? I didn't think so.
Nasa needs to send a shuttle up there and fix they damn thing. The Russians kept the Mir space station running with duct tape -- the Hubble could easily be used another decade with proper servicing. Going to the moon is difficult -- flying to the Hubble is not.
