Fifteen years of observing from low Earth orbit

Rodger E. Doxsey

doi:10.1117/12.672047

29 June 2006 Fifteen years of observing from low Earth orbit

Rodger E. Doxsey

Proceedings Volume 6270, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems; 627006 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672047
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

Hubble Space Telescope has been operating from low Earth orbit for 15 years. In the case of HST, the orbit was determined by launch and servicing considerations, not observing efficiency. Higher orbits have been chosen for recent missions, for various reasons. This paper will discuss the evolution of HST operations in low Earth orbit, comparing the results with early expectations, identifying the changes and improvements made, and identifying the most serious constraints to observing efficiency found in practice. We will generalize this experience to possible future use of low Earth orbit as an observing site, identifying mission design parameters that could improve efficiency, or otherwise make low Earth orbit more attractive as an observing site.

Citation Download Citation

Rodger E. Doxsey "Fifteen years of observing from low Earth orbit", Proc. SPIE 6270, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems, 627006 (29 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.672047

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