The storied Hubble telescope has gone into ‘safe mode.' Here's NASA's plan to keep it alive

The Hubble Space Telescope is transitioning to a new operating mode to prevent lapses in its ability to observe the universe. Traditionally operated using six gyroscopes, the telescope will now operate using a single gyro, with one kept in reserve. The decision comes after one of the three remaining gyroscopes began returning faulty readings, causing the telescope to enter safe mode. Although operating in one-gyro mode reduces efficiency and flexibility, it is expected to have minimal impact on most observations. The goal is to restore routine observations by mid-June. Hubble is expected to operate into the mid-2030s alongside other telescopes.