- Hubble Space Telescope enters 'safe mode' after software glitch. A software error prompted the telescope to enter "safe mode," where all but essential systems are turned off until Hubble receives new commands. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched on April 24, 1990, is almost 31 years old. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/hubble-space-telescope-enters-safe-mode-16008994.php 515 comments space