Hubble Space Telescope running on two gyroscopes

September 17, 2005 

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope entered a new era of science operations as September began, when engineers shut down one of the three operational gyroscopes aboard the observatory. The two-gyro mode is expected to preserve the operating life of the third gyro and extend Hubble's science observations through mid-2008, an eight-month extension. Switching off one gyro can preserve it for future use and extended two-gyro operational time for Hubble. 
The gyros are an integral part of Hubble's complex pointing control system. The system maintains precise pointing of the telescope during science observations. The system was originally designed to operate on three gyros, with another three in reserve. Two of the six are no longer functional. 
"Hubble science on two gyros will be indistinguishable from the superb science we have become accustomed to over the years," said senior Hubble scientist David Leckrone at Goddard.
Hubble Space Telescope running on two gyroscopes September 17 , 2005 NASA 's Hubble Space Telescope entered a new era of science operations as September began , when engineers shut down one of the three operational gyroscopes aboard the observatory . The two - gyro mode is expected to preserve the operating life of the third gyro and extend Hubble 's science observations through mid-2008 , an eight - month extension . Switching off one gyro can preserve it for future use and extended two - gyro operational time for Hubble . The gyros are an integral part of Hubble 's complex pointing control system . The system maintains precise pointing of the telescope during science observations . The system was originally designed to operate on three gyros , with another three in reserve . Two of the six are no longer functional . " Hubble science on two gyros will be indistinguishable from the superb science we have become accustomed to over the years , " said senior Hubble scientist David Leckrone at Goddard .
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