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| − | + | The Hubble Space Telescope is the visible/ultraviolet/near-infrared element of the Great Observatories | |
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astronomical program. | astronomical program. | ||
The spacecraft provides an order of magnitude better resolution than is capable from ground-based telescopes. The objectives of the HST are to: | The spacecraft provides an order of magnitude better resolution than is capable from ground-based telescopes. The objectives of the HST are to: | ||
| − | + | 1) Investigate the composition, physical characteristics, and dynamics of celestial bodies; | |
| − | + | 2) Examine the formation, structure, and evolution of stars and galaxies; | |
| − | + | 3) Study the history and evolution of the universe; | |
| − | + | 4) Provide a long-term space-based research facility for optical astronomy. | |
During initial on-orbit checkout of the Hubble's systems, a flaw in the telescope's main reflective mirror was found that prevented perfect focus of the incoming light. | During initial on-orbit checkout of the Hubble's systems, a flaw in the telescope's main reflective mirror was found that prevented perfect focus of the incoming light. | ||
This flaw was caused by the incorrect adjustment of a testing device used in building the mirror. | This flaw was caused by the incorrect adjustment of a testing device used in building the mirror. | ||
| − | Fortunately, however, Hubble was designed for regular on-orbit maintenance by | + | Fortunately, however, Hubble was designed for regular on-orbit maintenance by Shuttle missions. The first servicing mission, STS-61 in December 1993, fully corrected the problem by installing a corrective optics package and upgraded instruments (as well as replacing other satellite components). A second servicing mission, scheduled for March 1997, installed two new instruments in the observatory. |
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[[Category:Historic spacecraft]] | [[Category:Historic spacecraft]] | ||
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