Hubble Operations Pointing Mode Test

Systems Manager Morgan Van Arsdall oversees a test on a critical adjustment in the way the Hubble Space Telescope points at astronomical objects. The new pointing mode lets Hubble bypass a problematic gyroscope, or sensor used to determine which direction and how fast Hubble is turning, when trying to keep the telescope steady on an object. Van Arsdall is surrounded by glowing blue plates that designate computer stations for specific Hubble subsystems, such as the Pointing Control System (PCS). The test took place on June 16, 2020 after the modified flight software was uploaded to the telescope on June 9, 2020.