NASA's Kepler telescope almost runs out of fuel, forced to take a nap

The Kepler antenna should be pointed towards the Earth to retrieve the most recent observations. (Representative)

NASA's Kepler Space Telescope is almost out of fuel and has been forced to take a nap.

Flight controllers put the hunt probe on the planet in hibernation last week to save energy. It will remain asleep until early August, when controllers will attempt to send the collected data before the sightings are interrupted.

Kepler has been searching planets outside our solar system for nearly a decade. Considered the pioneer of planetary hunting, he has discovered nearly 3,000 confirmed worlds and as many potential candidates.

Launched in 2009, Kepler endured mechanical failures and other mishaps. But there is no way around an empty fuel tank. Fuel is needed to steer the telescope. The Kepler antenna must be pointed towards the Earth to retrieve the most recent observations. For the moment, it is the highest priority of the team.

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