Space Telescope Remains Balky; Shuttle Crew Gets Ready to Land
The Hubble Space Telescope’s electronic system was back in operation Saturday, but despite daylong efforts its high-speed antennas remained down and its science instruments on hold.
The shuttle Discovery’s five astronauts, meanwhile, prepared to land at 6:49 a.m. PDT today at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., amid some concern that high winds might force a delay of the landing until Monday or Tuesday. Air Force forecasters said winds at the desert base were expected to be close to the limit for a safe landing.
“It’s time to pack up our camping gear and get ready to come home,” flight director Wayne Hale said.
Early Saturday, the $1.5-billion telescope was sent “health and safety” instructions to operate on its own. A day earlier, the electronic instruments had automatically shut down when they sensed trouble with one of two high-gain antennas and when opening the lens cover made the telescope move. The high-gain antennas send data back to Earth at high speed.
“We are continuing to remain in good communication with the telescope,” said Dave Drachlis of the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
Ground controllers at Goddard tried moving the good high-gain antenna, but noticed the other antenna also was turning.
Jean Olivier, a deputy project manager for Hubble, said various options are being considered to aim the good antenna without moving the other one.
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