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    NASA Declines Space Tourist’s Offer to Save Hubble Amid Gyroscope Issues

    nephilaBy Science & Tech 5 Mins Read

    I guess a billionaire’s money isn’t good enough to save Hubble. NASA has other ideas. This may be a job for Elon Musk after all.

    NASA’s groundbreaking Hubble Space Telescope is facing significant challenges as it nears the end of its operational life. The aging spacecraft, which has provided invaluable data and stunning images of the universe since its launch in 1990, is experiencing ongoing issues with its remaining gyroscopes. These gyroscopes are crucial for maintaining the telescope’s orientation, and their failure has forced scientists to limit Hubble’s scientific operations. The team is now preparing for “one-gyro operations,” a mode that will further restrict its capabilities.

    In an interesting twist, billionaire space tourist Jared Isaacman, who previously orbited the Earth in a SpaceX Crew Dragon, offered to fund a maintenance mission for Hubble. The last servicing mission took place in 2009 before the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program. However, NASA has decided to decline Isaacman’s offer for now. The agency is concerned that such a mission could pose more risks than benefits.

    Mark Clampin, NASA’s director of astrophysics, explained the decision, noting that after evaluating current commercial capabilities, they concluded that a reboost mission is not feasible at this time. Although NASA appreciates Isaacman’s willingness to help, the assessment highlighted several potential risks, including the possibility of premature loss of scientific capabilities and various technological challenges.

    Despite this decision, NASA has not completely ruled out the possibility of a future reboost mission. Clampin mentioned that while this option remains on the table, more work is needed to determine if the long-term scientific benefits would outweigh the short-term risks. This cautious approach reflects NASA’s commitment to preserving the Hubble’s functionality as long as possible.

    This situation highlights the evolving relationship between NASA and the private space industry. Private entities are increasingly becoming involved in space missions, providing both opportunities and challenges for collaboration. Isaacman, an entrepreneur and trained fighter jet pilot who commanded the first all-civilian mission into space in September 2021, has been a vocal advocate for a Hubble maintenance mission. He argues that time is running out to preserve the telescope’s capabilities.

    Isaacman also plans to attempt the first-ever private spacewalk later this year, showcasing the growing capabilities of private space missions. However, NASA has raised several concerns about the feasibility of using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for a Hubble servicing mission. Unlike NASA’s retired Space Shuttle, the Crew Dragon lacks essential features such as an airlock and a robotic arm, which are critical for repairing and maintaining the Hubble. Even during NASA’s previous servicing missions, astronauts faced significant challenges and came close to permanently damaging the telescope on multiple occasions.

    Given these limitations, NASA is focusing on extending Hubble’s operational life without relying on a SpaceX-enabled visit. Patrick Crouse, the Hubble project manager, stated that updated reliability assessments for the gyroscopes indicate a greater than 70 percent probability of maintaining at least one operational gyro through 2035. This assessment provides some hope that Hubble can continue to contribute to astronomical research for another decade or more.

    In the meantime, NASA is exploring alternative methods to sustain Hubble’s functionality. The agency is committed to maximizing the telescope’s scientific output while carefully managing the risks associated with its aging components. As Hubble continues to face technical challenges, NASA’s priority remains preserving the valuable contributions of this iconic space telescope to our understanding of the universe.

    The situation with Hubble underscores the delicate balance NASA must strike between leveraging private sector capabilities and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its missions. While the offer from Isaacman is generous and well-intentioned, the issues involved in a servicing mission require thorough consideration. NASA’s cautious approach aims to safeguard the telescope’s legacy while exploring all possible avenues to extend its operational life. Their caution though is why China, before Musk’s rise, was becoming the dominant space player. NASA is run by politics now, and that political agenda is not to the liking of the American people.

    Major Points:

    • Hubble Space Telescope faces operational challenges due to failing gyroscopes, prompting preparations for “one-gyro operations” to extend its functionality.
    • Billionaire Jared Isaacman offered to fund a maintenance mission for Hubble, but NASA declined due to potential risks and technological challenges.
    • NASA expressed concerns about using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for the mission, as it lacks necessary features like an airlock and robotic arm, unlike the retired Space Shuttle.
    • NASA is exploring alternative methods to sustain Hubble’s operations, aiming to maintain at least one functional gyro through 2035 with a greater than 70% probability.
    • The situation highlights the evolving relationship between NASA and the private sector, balancing private sector capabilities with mission safety and effectiveness.

    RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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