Lessons Learned from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Contamination Control Program

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Contamination Control Program has evolved fiom a ground-based integration program to a space-based science-sustaining program. The contamination controls fiom the new-generation Scientific Instruments and Orbital Replacement Units were incorporated into the HST Conlambation Control Program to maintain scientific capability over the life of the telescope. Long-term onorbit scientific data has shown that these contamination controls implemented for the instruments, Servicing Mission activities (Orbiter, Astronauts, and mission), and on-orbit operations successfully protected the HST &om contarnination and the instnunents from self-contamination.