The Hubble Space Telescope has been put out of action by a gyroscope problem.

Nasa announced Monday that one of Hubble’s gyroscopes failed last Friday.

As a result, the telescope is in so-called safe mode with non-essential systems turned off. That means all science observations are on hold.

Rachel Osten, Hubble's deputy mission head at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, said: "It’s true. Very stressful weekend. Right now HST is in safe mode while we figure out what to do.

"Another gyro failed. First step is try to bring back the last gyro, which had been off, and is being problematic. We’ll work through the issues and be back."

Nasa said mission controllers are working to restore the 28-year-old telescope.