Experience with the Hubble Space Telescope: 20 years of an archetype

Abstract

Abstract:The Hubble Space Telescope's mission is summarized, with special emphasis placed on the Space Telescope Science Institute's unique experience with Hubble's behavior as an astronomical telescope in the environment of low earth orbit for over two decades. Historical context and background are given, and the project's early scientific expectations are described. A general overview of the spacecraft is followed by a more detailed look at the optical design, both as intended and as built. Basic characteristics of the complete complement of Science Instruments are also summarized. Next our experience with the telescope on-orbit is reviewed, starting with the major initial problems, the solutions, the human servicing missions, and the associated expansion of the observatory's capabilities over this time. Specific attention is then given to our understanding of Hubble's optical quality and pointing/jitter performance, two fundamental characteristics of a telescope. Experience with-and the important mitigation ofradiation damage and contamination is also related. Beyond the telescope itself, we briefly discuss the advances in data reduction, calibration, and observing techniques, as well as the subsequent emergence of highly accessible high-level archival science products. The paper concludes with Hubble's scientific impact.

Parametric registration of cross test error maps for optical surfaces

“…As it gets more and more complicated, the optical test system is prone to introducing bigger error or even making mistakes. The figuring error due to misaligned test system for the primary mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope is a profound lesson to opticians [1]. That is why scientists have tried up to four alternatives including the principal test (interferometer null test), the SCOTS slope measurement, the scanning pentaprism test and the laser tracker test, to measure the surface error in production of 8.4 m segments for the Giant Magellan Telescope [2].…”

High-performance grinding of a 2-m scale silicon carbide mirror blank for the space-based telescope

“…The optics of the HST include a 2.4-m diameter primary mirror made of ultra low expansion (ULE) glass and a 0.3-m secondary mirror made of Zerodur glass [1][2][3][4]. It has been long suggested that silicon carbide (SiC) would be a competitor material to ULE and Zerodur for building the next-generation large-scale reflecting mirrors, particularly used in the space-based telescope, owing to its high stiffness-to-density ratio and low thermal distortion properties [5][6][7].…”

Discovering the Unexpected in Astronomical Survey Data

“…Table 1 Major discoveries made by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Of the HST's "top ten" discoveries (as ranked by National Geographic magazine), only one was a key project used in the HST funding proposal (Lallo 2012). A further four projects were planned in advance by individual scientists but not listed as key projects in the HST proposal.…”

“…This Table was previously published by Norris et al (2015). The science goals that drove the funding, construction, and launch of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) are listed in the HST funding proposal (Lallo 2012). A further four projects were planned in advance by individual scientists but not listed as key projects in the HST proposal.…”