Memory can degrade over time due to years of exposure to radiation in space.
40% off TNW Conference!
The main computer then automatically placed all science instruments in a safe mode configuration,NASA reports.
The computer and memory modules are redundant.
That is, a second computer and other memory modules could be used if needed, GSFC officials explain.
This is not the first Hubble shutdown this spaceborne observatory has faced.
Since then, Hubble has contributed to countless studies, producing outstanding science.
In 1923 Hubble trained the Hooker telescope on a hazy patch of sky called the Andromeda Nebula.
He found that it contained stars just like the ones in our galaxy, only dimmer.
This discovery greatly expanded our notions of the Cosmos.
Well into its third operational decade, Hubble is still extremely productive.
The Hubble team and NASA are hard at work finding ways to bring Hubble back to service.
This could prove to be a daunting challenge, but NASA is known fordeveloping ingenious solutionsin time of need.
However, such plans are not currently being developed for Hubble.
This article was originally published onThe Cosmic Companionby James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion.
you might read the original articlehere.
