The payload computer is a NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer-1 (NSSC-1) system constructed in the 1980s that lies on the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling (SI C&DH) system. After 18 years on orbit, the original SI C&DH experienced a failure in 2008 that delayed the final servicing mission to Hubble while a replacement was prepared for flight. In May 2009, STS-125 was released and the astronauts set up the existing system. The replacement consists of initial hardware from the 1980s with four independent 64K memory modules of Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) memory. Only one memory module is used operationally, with the other three serving as backups. All four modules can be used and accessed from either of the redundant payload computer systems.
Introduced in 1990, with more than 30 years of operations, Hubble has actually made observations that have recorded imaginations around the world and deepened our knowledge of the universes.
NASA continues to work to deal with a problem with the Hubble Space Telescope payload computer system that stopped on June 13. After carrying out tests on numerous of the computers memory modules, the outcomes show that a various piece of computer system hardware might have triggered the problem, with the memory errors being only a sign. If the problem with the payload computer system cant be fixed, the operations group will be prepared to switch to the STINT and CPM hardware onboard the backup payload computer.
The Hubble Space Telescope is released on April 25, 1990, from the area shuttle Discovery. Preventing distortions of the environment, Hubble has an unblocked view peering to galaxies, stars, and planets, some more than 13.4 billion light years away. Credit: NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Lockheed Corporation
NASA continues to work to solve a problem with the Hubble Space Telescope payload computer that halted on June 13. After performing tests on several of the computer systems memory modules, the results suggest that a different piece of computer system hardware might have caused the problem, with the memory mistakes being only a sign. The operations team is investigating whether the Standard Interface (STINT) hardware, which bridges communications in between the computers Central Processing Module (CPM) and other parts, or the CPM itself is accountable for the problem. The team is currently creating tests that will be run in the next couple of days to try to additional isolate the problem and recognize a possible solution.
This action is crucial for determining what hardware is still working effectively for future referral. The operations team will be prepared to switch to the STINT and CPM hardware onboard the backup payload computer if the problem with the payload computer cant be repaired. The team has carried out ground tests and operations procedure reviews to validate all the commanding needed to carry out that turn on the spacecraft.
A number of days will be needed to evaluate the computer efficiency and restore normal science operations if the backup payload computers CPM and STINT hardware is turned on. The backup computer has not been powered on given that its installation in 2009; however, it was thoroughly evaluated on the ground prior to installation on the spacecraft.
