Commissioning of Hubble Space Telescope: the strategy for recovery

James H. Crocker

doi:10.1117/12.158748

1 November 1993 Commissioning of Hubble Space Telescope: the strategy for recovery

James H. Crocker

Proceedings Volume 1945, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments II; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.158748
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

When the space shuttle Endeavor rockets into orbit on December 2, 1993, NASA will begin the last phase of a three part program to recover from the disappointing beginnings of Hubble Space Telescope operations. The problem with the telescope was detected shortly after launch in April of 1990 and in June of that year NASA concluded that the primary mirror of the telescope had been manufactured with the wrong figure. NASA immediately began a detailed investigation to determine exactly what went wrong. Next, NASA and the HST community began a multi-effort program to maximize and improve the science produced by the telescope in its aberrated condition. Finally, plans were developed to repair the telescope's problems in orbit and to restore the observatory's full scientific potential. Much has been written about the failure to detect this flaw before launch. The impression of many outside the program is that Hubble is a complete failure. Far less has been written of the impressive efforts and successes as the recovery from this disappointing start evolved.

Citation Download Citation

James H. Crocker "Commissioning of Hubble Space Telescope: the strategy for recovery", Proc. SPIE 1945, Space Astronomical Telescopes and Instruments II, (1 November 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.158748

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available