{"id":354302,"date":"2026-01-24T00:02:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T14:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/tess\/nasas-tess-temporarily-pauses-science-observations\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T00:02:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T14:02:43","slug":"tess-status-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=354302","title":{"rendered":"TESS Status Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"
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4 min read<\/p>\n

TESS Status Updates<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jan. 23, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS Returns to Science Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)<\/a> entered safe mode Jan. 15 and returned to normal science operations Jan. 18.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The operations team determined the issue arose when TESS slewed to point at a target, but its solar panels did not rotate to remain pointed at the Sun relative to the spacecraft\u2019s new direction. The off-Sun angle of the solar arrays resulted in a slow discharge of TESS\u2019s batteries. As designed and planned for in situations of this kind, the satellite entered a safe mode after detecting the low-power condition.<\/p>\n

At the time of the safe mode, TESS was conducting a week-long observation of comet 3I\/ATLAS<\/a> and resumed those observations Jan. 18. Data from TESS is publicly available through archives at the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

May 7, 2024<\/h3>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS Returns to Science Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)<\/a> returned to science operations May 3 and is once again making observations. The satellite went into safe mode April 23 following a separate period of down time earlier that month.<\/p>\n

The operations team determined this latest safe mode was triggered by a failure to properly unload momentum from the spacecraft\u2019s reaction wheels, a routine activity needed to keep the satellite properly oriented when making observations. The propulsion system, which enables this momentum transfer, had not been successfully repressurized following a prior safe mode event April 8. The team has corrected this, allowing the mission to return to normal science operations. The cause of the April 8 safe mode event remains under investigation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The TESS mission is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Launched in 2018, TESS has been\u00a0scanning almost the entire sky<\/a>\u00a0looking for planets beyond our solar system, known as\u00a0exoplanets<\/a>. The TESS mission has also uncovered other cosmic phenomena, including\u00a0star-shredding black holes<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0stellar oscillations<\/a>. Read more about TESS discoveries at\u00a0nasa.gov\/tess<\/a>.<\/p>\n

April 24, 2024<\/h3>\n

NASA\u2019s Planet-Hunting Satellite Temporarily on Pause<\/strong><\/p>\n

During a routine activity April 23, NASA\u2019s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)<\/a> entered safe mode, temporarily suspending science operations. The satellite scans the sky searching for planets beyond our solar system.<\/p>\n

The team is working to restore the satellite to science operations while investigating the underlying cause. NASA also continues investigating the cause of a separate safe mode event that took place earlier this month, including whether the two events are connected. The spacecraft itself remains stable.<\/p>\n

The TESS mission is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Launched in 2018, TESS recently celebrated its sixth anniversary in orbit. Visit nasa.gov\/tess<\/a> for updates.<\/p>\n

April 17, 2024<\/h3>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS Returns to Science Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite)<\/a> has returned to work after science observations were suspended on April 8, when the spacecraft entered into safe mode. All instruments are powered on and, following the successful download of previously collected science data stored in the mission\u2019s recorder, are now making new science observations.<\/p>\n

Analysis of what triggered the satellite to enter safe mode is ongoing.<\/p>\n

The TESS mission is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer operated by MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Launched in 2018, TESS has been scanning almost the entire sky<\/a> looking for planets beyond our solar system, known as exoplanets<\/a>. The TESS mission has also uncovered other cosmic phenomena, including star-shredding black holes<\/a> and stellar oscillations<\/a>. Read more about TESS discoveries at nasa.gov\/tess<\/a>.<\/p>\n

April 11, 2024<\/h3>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS Temporarily Pauses Science Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) entered into safe mode April 8, temporarily interrupting science observations. The team is investigating the root cause of the safe mode, which occurred during scheduled engineering activities. The satellite itself remains in good health.<\/p>\n

The team will continue investigating the issue and is in the process of returning TESS to science observations in the coming days.<\/p>\n

The TESS mission is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer operated by MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Launched in 2018, TESS has been scanning almost the entire sky looking for planets beyond our solar system, known as exoplanets. The TESS mission has also uncovered other cosmic phenomena, including\u00a0star-shredding black holes<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0stellar oscillations<\/a>. Read more about TESS discoveries at\u00a0nasa.<\/a>gov<\/a>\/tess<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Media Contact<\/strong>s<\/h3>\n

Claire Andreoli<\/strong>
(301) 286-1940<\/strong>
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov<\/a><\/strong>
NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a>, Greenbelt, Md.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alise Fisher<\/strong>
202-358-2546
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov<\/a>
NASA Headquarters<\/a>, Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n

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