A planned operational mode where a spacecraft shuts down non-essential systems, including primary science instruments, to conserve power and reduce wear during a long cruise phase. The vehicle maintains only basic thermal control, attitude awareness, and minimal communication capabilities until it is awakened near its destination.
Heard on the job
Rosetta was placed into hibernation for 31 months while it cruised out toward Jupiter's orbit.
Do not mix it up with
- Safe mode: Hibernation is a planned power-saving state, while safe mode is an automatic response to a fault.