Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys Instrument Resumes Science, Investigation Continues
November 9, 2021 | NASAEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
NASA is continuing work to resolve an issue that has suspended science operations on the Hubble Space Telescope. The science instruments entered a safe mode configuration on Oct. 25 after detecting a loss of specific data synchronization messages.
The Hubble team is focusing its efforts to isolate the problem on hardware that commands the instruments and is part of the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling Unit. Specifically, the team is analyzing the circuitry of the Control Unit, which generates synchronization messages and passes them onto the instruments.
While analyzing the Control Unit, the team is working to identify potential workarounds for the issue. These include possible changes to instrument flight software that could check for these lost messages and compensate for them without putting the instruments into safe mode. These workarounds would first be verified using ground simulators to ensure they work as planned.
Over the weekend of Oct. 30, the team prepared to turn on parts of the Near Infrared Camera and Multi Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) instrument to collect data on this issue, allowing the team to determine how frequently this problem occurs. Installed in 1997, NICMOS has been inactive since 2010, when the Wide Field Camera 3 became operational. NICMOS allowed the team to use an instrument to collect information on these lost messages while keeping the active instruments off as a safety precaution. Since NICMOS was recovered on Nov. 1, no additional synchronization messages have been lost.
The team is now taking steps to recover Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) instrument from safe mode and start collecting science with that instrument at the beginning of next week. The team will make the decision on Sunday after analyzing the latest data. If a lost message is seen before then, the decision to activate ACS will also be revisited. The team is proceeding cautiously to ensure the safety of the instruments and avoid additional stresses on the hardware. Therefore, only ACS will be used in this capacity next week. ACS was selected as the first instrument to recover as it faces the fewest complications should a lost message occur.
Over the next week, the team will continue analyzing the Control Unit design diagrams and data associated with the lost messages to determine what may have caused this problem. They will also be looking into potential instrument software changes that could help address it. Once the team better understands the frequency of the problem and has determined the time needed to implement possible software changes, they will discuss a plan for returning the other instruments to science operations.
Suggested Items
Lockheed Martin Advances Space Capabilities through Strategic Terran Orbital Acquisition
10/31/2024 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has completed its previously announced acquisition of Terran Orbital, a leading manufacturer of innovative modular spacecraft serving the global aerospace and defense industries, and its subsidiary, Tyvak International.
Spirit Electronics Adds Zero-Error Systems to Provide Ultra-High Reliability Protection from Radiation in Space Applications
10/25/2024 | Spirit ElectronicsSpirit Electronics announces franchised distribution for Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to support ultra-high reliability semiconductors and ICs operating in challenging radiation environments.
BAE Systems celebrates launch of NASA's Europa Clipper Mission
10/24/2024 | PRNewswireBAE Systems (LON:BA) is celebrating the successful launch of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft from Kennedy Space Flight Center in Florida last week.
Test Research, Inc. (TRI) to Exhibit at SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum 2024
10/24/2024 | Test Research Inc.Test Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the electronics manufacturing industry, will participate in the SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum 2024.
AIM to Highlight NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste at SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum
10/22/2024 | AIMAIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Space Coast Expo & Tech Forum taking place on November 14 at the Melbourne Auditorium in Melbourne, Florida.