NASA's NICER Telescope Hits a Snag!

The Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) telescope, a crucial instrument on the International Space Station (ISS), has halted operations due to a malfunctioning motor. This setback emerged on June 17, 2025, as NASA engineers discovered that the telescope's ability to track cosmic phenomena was compromised.

When Will NICER Resume Its Cosmic Adventures?

As of now, NASA has not specified when the NICER telescope will be back online, leaving space enthusiasts eagerly awaiting updates on this vital tool for studying the universe.

NICER: A Window Into the Cosmos Since 2017!

Launched in 2017, NICER is stationed near the ISS's solar array and excels in measuring neutron stars, black holes, and various extraordinary cosmic events. Its capabilities also extend to aiding in the planning of future Mars missions, making it an indispensable asset for NASA.

A History of Challenges for NICER!

This isn’t the first issue NICER has faced. In May 2023, the telescope was sidelined by a light leak caused by damaged thermal shields, which allowed daylight to interfere with observations. Although astronaut Nick Hague patched up several critical areas in January, residual light interference persisted.

Powering Through Difficulties!

The NASA team made adjustments to NICER's measurement-power unit to counteract the light intrusion, allowing the telescope to function again by March 12. However, ongoing damage necessitated further limitations on daytime observations as of May 22, highlighting the fragility of this incredible technology.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Space!

X-ray telescopes like NICER play a pivotal role in illuminating the mysteries of the universe. They provide invaluable data on extreme cosmic events, such as the rapid burst of energy from a dead star known as a magnetar observed in 2020. This burst emitted energy equivalent to the Sun's output over an entire year in mere seconds, showcasing the immense power of these celestial objects.

NASA's Unyielding Quest for Knowledge!

In October 2022, NICER and another low-Earth orbit telescope worked together to observe yet another spectacular radio wave burst from the same magnetar, proving that even in the face of setbacks, NASA's exploration of the cosmos presses on. Stay tuned as we await more exciting developments from the NICER team!