“Hubble has been operating now for over 31 years, collecting ground-breaking science observations that have changed our fundamental understanding of the universe.”
Hubble dropped into safe mode on Oct. 25 after losing synchronization messages. The fix was software, written and uploaded from the ground, one instrument at a time. Nobody can fly up and swap a part anymore. A 31-year-old telescope runs on patches now, and Webb launches with no repair mission at all.