Hubble’s gyroscopes are extraordinarily stable and can detect even extremely small movements. Gas-bearing gyroscopes are the most accurate in the world and Hubble uses the best available. Of these only gas-bearing gyroscopes offer the combination of extremely low noise with very high stability and resolution. Several different types of gyroscopes are available: mechanical using ball bearings other designs using light or the frequency of a resonating hemisphere to detect movement and gas bearings.
Pressurized nitrogen, used in the new gyroscopes, will eliminate the introduction of corrosive oxygen.
Oxygen-pressurized air, used to force the thick fluid into the float cavity that contains these wires, has corroded the wires and caused them to break. Fine, hair-like wires, surrounded by this thick fluid, carry electricity to the motor. This cylinder is immersed in a thick, motor-oil-like fluid. This force is similar to the one produced in the gyroscopes when Hubble moves.Įach gyroscope contains a wheel spinning at 19,200 revolutions per minute inside a sealed cylinder. If you try to move the axle of the spinning wheel, you will feel a force opposing your attempt to move it. You can experience this effect by holding a bicycle wheel by its axle and asking someone to spin the wheel. Gyroscopes maintain orientation and provide stability in boats, aircraft and spacecraft based on the principles of angular momentum. They are needed to help Hubble turn and lock on to new targets. Gyroscopes are devices that measure the speed at which an object is turning.
Gyroscopes are important because they measure the rate of motion as Hubble moves and help ensure the telescope retains correct pointing during observations. During Servicing Mission 4, astronauts replaced all six of Hubble’s gyroscopes.
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