Posted: Thu, Oct 12, 2006, 8:33 AM ET (1233 GMT)
Controllers have turned off a gyroscope on the International Space Station after it showed signs of malfunctioning, a decision that could have implications for both station operations and the next shuttle mission. Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) 3 was turned off late Monday night after it experienced excessive vibrations on several occasions. The gyro is one of four used by the ISS to maintain its orientation. Only two are needed at any time, although during a spacewalk on the upcoming STS-116 mission two other gyros are scheduled to be turned off temporarily to reroute power cables. Thrusters on the Russian component of the station can be used to maintain the station's orientation in place of the gyros, although engineers have expressed concerns about the effect of the thruster firings on the station's newest solar panel array. Another gyro, CMG-1, failed in 2002 and was replaced during the STS-114 mission last year.

Related Links:

•  CBS News/Spaceflight Now article
•  New Scientist article
•  AP article