Hubble Space Telescope location and orbit
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Hubble Space Telescope Location: Low Earth Orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is located in low Earth orbit, which allows it to observe the universe without the distortion caused by Earth's atmosphere. When first deployed, Hubble was placed in a circular orbit approximately 600 kilometers (about 380 miles) above the Earth's surface by the Space Shuttle Discovery in April 1990 45679. This altitude was chosen to balance the need for a stable, clear view of space with the practicalities of launching and servicing the telescope.
Hubble's Orbit Characteristics
Hubble's orbit is nearly circular and keeps it above most of the Earth's atmosphere, which is essential for its high-resolution observations in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared wavelengths 46. The telescope orbits the Earth roughly every 95 minutes, completing about 15 orbits per day . Over time, Hubble's orbit slowly decays due to atmospheric drag, which is why periodic servicing missions have included reboosting the telescope to a higher altitude 16.
Servicing and Orientation in Orbit
Hubble was designed to be serviced in orbit, allowing astronauts to repair, upgrade, and maintain its instruments and systems. Four servicing missions have been carried out by astronauts, and the telescope's design allows for the replacement of key components and reboosting to counteract orbital decay 168. For robotic or crewed servicing missions, precise measurement of Hubble's position and orientation in orbit is crucial. Techniques such as video-based image correlation and advanced guidance systems are used to determine Hubble's exact location and orientation relative to approaching spacecraft .
Impact of Low Earth Orbit on Observations
Being in low Earth orbit, Hubble is above the majority of the atmosphere, which allows it to capture extremely sharp images and make precise measurements that are not possible from the ground 4568. However, its location also means that it is occasionally affected by artificial satellites crossing its field of view, a problem that is increasing as more satellites are launched into similar orbits .
Conclusion
The Hubble Space Telescope's location in low Earth orbit, about 600 kilometers above Earth, is key to its success as a scientific observatory. This orbit provides a clear, stable platform for observations while allowing for periodic servicing and maintenance. Hubble's position and orientation are carefully monitored and managed to ensure the highest quality data and to facilitate any necessary repairs or upgrades. As satellite traffic in low Earth orbit increases, ongoing monitoring and adaptation will be necessary to protect the quality of Hubble's observations.
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