For 57 years, the telescope has functioned as a radio receiver for radio waves from space and has been used by scientists to look for signs of extraterrestrial life.
In August, two cables collapsed and damaged the telescope, and in November it was revealed that it would be too dangerous to try to repair it and that it needed to be torn down.
But that the telescope would have time to tear itself apart had not been anticipated.
The American National Science Foundation, NSF, has said in a statement that it will continue to support research in Puerto Rico and try to ensure that all employees can keep their jobs.
- We are sad about the situation but grateful that no one was hurt, writes Sethuraman Panchanathan, head of NSF.