Hubble

Aging Hubble returns to operations after software glitch
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope resumed observations March 11 after a software error placed it in a protective safe mode several days earlier, but the incident is a reminder of the telescope’s mortality.

Foust Forward | The next giant leap for space observatories
The ultimate demise of the remaining Great Observatories has some astronomers worried about gaps in coverage of the universe.

Astronomers foresee long future for Hubble
Despite a recent problem with one of its instruments, managers of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope are confident that the mission can continue to operate well into the next decade.

Hubble resumes observations after gyro repaired
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has resumed normal operations after controllers fixed a faulty gyroscope on the spacecraft, the agency announced Oct. 27.

NASA makes progress on fixing Hubble gyro
Engineers have made progress correcting a faulty gyro on the Hubble Space Telescope, making NASA optimistic the space telescope can resume normal operations in the near future.

NASA addressing problems with Hubble and Chandra space telescopes
As one group of engineers continues to diagnose a gyro problem that has sidelined the Hubble Space Telescope, another is dealing with a problem that has put operations of another large space observatory on hold.

Hubble in safe mode after gyro failure
NASA’s venerable Hubble Space Telescope is in safe mode after the failure of one of its gyros and a problem with another, but the agency said this specific problem did not put the orbiting observatory in jeopardy.

Op-ed | In defense of astrophysics
President Trump's 2019 NASA budget would pull the plug on astronomer's No. 1 priority for the next decade. NASA's former astrophysics chief says Congress should keep WFIRST funded.

Scientists, engineers push for servicing and assembly of future space observatories
The approach NASA has taken with James Webb Space Telescope, with no ability to repair or upgrade the telescope after its launch, stands in sharp contrast to what it did with JWST’s predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. Some believe NASA should embrace servicing, and even assembly, of future space telescopes.

Scientists and engineers push for servicing and assembly of future space observatories
A group of astronomers and engineers is seeking to convince NASA to study in-space servicing and assembly of future space telescopes, including the role the proposed Deep Space Gateway could play to support it.

“Ocean Worlds” discoveries build case for new missions
Discoveries involving two “ocean world” moons in the outer solar system announced April 13 are likely to bolster the case for planned and proposed spacecraft missions to those worlds.

NASA astronomy missions pass senior review
NASA has accepted the recommendation of a review panel that it continue operations of a half-dozen astrophysics missions, including infrared and x-ray observatories and a retooled extrasolar planet mission.

Op-ed | Replacing Hubble with Hubble 2.0
Another servicing mission to Hubble may not be in the best interests of the astronomical science community or the taxpaying public, and I believe an alternative to servicing Hubble — namely, build Hubble 2.0 — is more feasible.

Op-ed | A Not-so-final Servicing Mission
As we approach the 25th anniversary of Hubble’s launch on April 25, it is time to start planning for the observatory’s next 25 years.

Remembrance | Noel Hinners Knew To Save Hubble, NASA Had To Be Willing To Kill It
It was 1976, America’s bicentennial, but the nation’s celebratory mood did not extend to big-ticket astronomy projects — at least not as far as Congress was concerned.