NASA releases Hubble image taken in new pointing mode
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope resumes operations with one gyro, capturing galaxy NGC 1546. Joint program with other telescopes enhances star formation study. Dr. Wiseman optimistic about future discoveries in cosmic phenomena.
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NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has resumed operations after a period offline due to gyro issues, now operating in a new pointing mode using one gyro. The telescope captured an image of the galaxy NGC 1546, showcasing dust lanes, a bright core with older stars, and blue regions of active star formation. This image is part of a joint program with the James Webb Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, providing a detailed view of star formation and evolution. The new pointing mode aims to enhance consistency in science operations, allowing Hubble to continue its groundbreaking observations. Dr. Jennifer Wiseman from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center highlighted the success of this new mode, expressing optimism for future discoveries across various cosmic phenomena. Launched in 1990, Hubble continues to contribute significantly to astronomical research, celebrating over three decades of observing the universe.
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24 commentsEssentially using other sensors (star tracker and magnetometer) and kalman filtering for sensor fusion.
Am I making a joke about deploying in production? Yes, yes I am. But I also know NASA really does the best they can and I am amazed at the insane work and effort that they do to make sure spacecraft they send actually work.
https://llis.nasa.gov/lesson/394
> The Voyager 2 scan platform, on which are mounted the spacecraft cameras and several science instruments, is rotated in elevation and azimuth by actuators. Near the end of the Voyager 2 Saturn encounter, the scan platform azimuth actuator exhibited an anomaly. This anomaly was evidenced by the azimuth actuator seizing, causing a scan platform pointing error that resulted in a loss of some data. Through a series of ground commands, the problem was alleviated to the extent that the scan platform could perform its function. ...
https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/27/us/camera-swivel-on-voyag...
https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/28/us/swivel-on-voyager-stil...
Voyager engineering improvements for Uranus encounter - https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19860063178
> Finally, engineering improvements made in order to enhance scientific findings at the Uranus encounter are reviewed in detail. The two most important were the increased gyro drift turn rate capability to accommodate image motion compensation for the close fly-by of Miranda and the reduction in spacecraft rates to accommodate increased imaging exposure times without incurring excessive image smear.
SpaceX's Starship could house one huge telescope. If I had a say in NASA's appropriations, money would flow into building a Starship-sized telescope for every spectrum we could think of.
There are other scientific instruments that Starship can house.
It's not too late to start. Congress could appropriate money to build and many Starship-sized instruments as they can come up with. Follow KISS principles and use the same steel Starship is made of instead of carbon fiber where possible.
If on-orbit refueling works, Starship can place them on the far side of the moon or at Lagrange points.
It's a nice image but it looks like there are some FPN issues.
What a beautiful image
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