Hubble equipment failure means fewer observations, NASA officials say

By MARCIA DUNN
AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The Hubble Space Telescope has suffered another breakdown that will limit its scientific discoveries. The telescope slipped into a hibernating state more than a week ago when one of its three remaining gyroscopes malfunctioned. NASA said Tuesday that attempts to fix it failed and that’s why it will operate with just one of the devices. The second gyroscope will be kept in reserve for future use. Officials say the switch will keep Hubble idle until mid-June and it won’t be able to conduct as many observations as before. Hubble rocketed into orbit in 1990 and had to undergo major repairs to fix its blurry vision from a misshapen mirror.