--- title: "The Hubble Space Telescope Is in Really Serious Trouble" description: "It has been four days since we've last heard from NASA about Hubble's condition after a glitch forced it to halt scientific operations on June 13." date: "2021-06-29" modified: "2021-06-29" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/hubble-serious-trouble" categories: - "Off-World" - "Space" tags: - "hubble" - "hubble space telescope" - "NASA" - "Space Telescope" - "the digest" --- # The Hubble Space Telescope Is in Really Serious Trouble ![It has been four days since we've last heard from NASA about Hubble's condition after a glitch forced it to halt scientific operations on June 13.]() *\Image: NASA\* ## Death Watch NASA's groundbreaking Hubble space telescope is in deep trouble. According to a [Friday update]() from NASA, both the aging telescope's main payload computer — as well as the backup computer — are experiencing the same glitch. In other words, Hubble is on thin ice — and, since it's [been four days]() since we last heard from NASA about Hubble's condition, it seems increasingly likely that the agency is running out of options to fix the aging space telescope. We may not hear about Hubble any time soon, either. During a meeting today, Paul Hertz, director of NASA's astrophysics division, reiterated that NASA will be "very deliberate" in their analysis of the computer glitch, as [quoted by *SpaceNews* reporter Jeff Foust](), and won't be making any quick moves to correct the problem. ## Safe Mode On June 13, an issue with the payload computer forced the scientific instruments on board the space telescope [into safe mode](). NASA scientists conducted tests on June 23 and 24 to [see if they could fix the glitch]() and resume scientific operations. But even turning on the backup computer for the first time in space, after being installed 12 years ago, led to more problems. Both the primary and backup payload computer are now experiencing the same error with their onboard memory, according to NASA. The scientists are now turning their attention to other pieces of Hubble's hardware, including its data formatter — tasked with formatting and transmitting data — and the telescope's power regulator, which supplies specific and steady voltages to each part of the telescope. "A power regulator ensures a steady constant voltage supply," the update reads. "If the voltage is out of limits, it could cause the problems observed." ## End of an Era This week, engineers will spend some time assessing the situation and — barring a fix — will attempt to switch to a backup data formatter and power regulator. Hubble has made huge contributions to the exploration of our cosmos for 31 long years, allowing us to peek at the atmospheres of other planets beyond our solar system for the first time. All we can do is hope that its days aren't numbered yet. **READ MORE:** [No quick fix for Hubble Space Telescope's computer glitch, NASA says]() \[*Space.com*\] **More on Hubble:** *[Welp, the Hubble Backup Computer Just Broke Too]()* ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()