NASA is struggling to fix a computer error that took the Hubble Space Telescope offline. about two weeks — and secondary computers have the same problem.
Hubble Space TelescopeLaunched in 1990, it ceased operations on June 13 after 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT) after a malfunction with one of the telescope’s computers. while the spacecraft stopped collecting science data But hardware and other scientific tools of the spacecraft is still in good health. Statement from NASA.
“Hubble has been exploring the universe for more than 31 years,” NASA officials said in a statement. “It has contributed to some of the most important discoveries in our universe. including the rapid expansion of the universe Galaxy evolution over time and the first atmospheric study of a planet outside our solar system.”
related: The best Hubble Space Telescope images of all time!
Hubble installs two payload computers. Both of which are housed in the Scientific Instruments and Command and Data Management (SI C&DH) unit. Installed in 2009But it was created in the 1
980s. One computer served as a backup. The device was launched for the first time in space during testing on June 23 and 24. Recent attempts to revive the telescope have revealed that both the primary and secondary computers are experiencing the same error. Which indicates the problem lies elsewhere, NASA said.The primary computer and the secondary computer consist of various hardware. It performs functions such as processing and storing executable instructions. coordination and control telescope scientific instrumentsand supports communication between the spacecraft components. Tests conducted on June 23 and 24 showed that many of these hardware components combined had the same error. The command to write or read from memory was unsuccessful, according to a NASA statement.
As a result, engineers are investigating other hardware. Other potential causes of the problem include the Command Unit/Science Data Formatter (CU/SDF), another module in SI C&DH responsible for formatting and sending data. and a power regulator, which provides a constant voltage to the computer hardware. “If the voltage exceeds the limit could cause observable problems,” NASA officials wrote.
NASA is continuing to test to isolate the problem and identify possible solutions. If necessary, the telescope can switch to a spare CU/SDF module or a backup power controller, according to the statement.
Hubble enters a Prevent “safe mode” or electronic hibernation When the main payload computer suddenly stopped working on June 13. Since then, NASA has been working to fix the problem and get the telescope back up and running.
After an unsuccessful computer restart attempt on June 14, the space agency made several attempts to switch to one of the telescope’s spare memory modules on June 16 and 17. Unable to bring the spare memory module online. Success. On June 22, the space agency shifted its focus to spaceship test Computer Standard Interface (STINT) and Central Processing Module (CPM) hardware
This isn’t the first time Hubble has encountered a problem in orbit. NASA launches all five service missions To work on the telescope between 1993 and 2009, the old telescope experienced periodic problems. Recently, the telescope has suffered. Temporary software glitch in March After the code was modified to fix the gyroscope problem.
Follow Samantha Mathewson @ Sam_Ashley13 Follow Us On Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook
Source link