Hubble stopped transmitting science data on Saturday night. The control unit/science data formatter was to safe the payload computer after errors were detected within the data formatter. Resetting the formatter and trying to obtain a dump of the computer memory were both unsuccessful. It's not entirely catastrophic. This happened on side A, and there is a redundant side B. All the data modules will have to be transitioned to side B first before a final pronouncement can be made on Hubble's health.
A consequence of this is delay of the Hubble servicing mission, which apparently Hubble needs. Initially Hubble's state and health must be determined before the mission can be rescheduled. And there is the hope that if transitioning to side B fails, a back-up replacement system could be taken on the servicing mission for installation.
A full and complete demonstration of the need for humans in space as repair personnel as long as we are flying such telescopes. It will also be yet another attestation of the ability of humans to work successfully in space. A moment of "oh no" will be righted to "oh yeah!" by the crew of STS-125 in 2009. Long live Hubble.
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