The Hubble Space Telescope is one of NASA’s most well-known scientific instruments. It has been orbiting around the Earth for over thirty years now and has made countless discoveries about our universe. But have you ever wondered what orbit the Hubble Space Telescope is actually in? In this article, we will briefly explore the answer to that question and discuss the significance of Hubble’s orbit.
What is the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space telescope launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and remains in operation. It is named after astronomer Edwin Hubble and is one of NASA’s Great Observatories, along with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope.
What is the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope is in a low Earth orbit, approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles) above Earth’s surface. It completes one orbit around the Earth every 97 minutes at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). It is in a near-circular orbit with an inclination of 28.5 degrees to the equator.
One of the key takeaways from this text is that the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope is crucial to its ability to observe the universe. Being in low Earth orbit allows it to avoid atmospheric interference, and its near-circular orbit with an inclination of 28.5 degrees to the equator provides stability and allows it to observe a wide range of objects. The HST’s orbit has enabled some extraordinary observations of the universe, and although its mission is coming to an end, it will continue to contribute to scientific discoveries until its final days. Its future replacement, the James Webb Space Telescope, will be placed in a different orbit, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, at the second Lagrange point, L2, providing a stable environment for observing the universe in the infrared spectrum.
Why is the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope so important?
The orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope is essential for its mission to observe the universe. Being in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) allows the telescope to avoid atmospheric interference, which distorts and attenuates light from celestial objects. Additionally, the orbit allows the telescope to avoid radiation from the Van Allen belts, which can damage its sensitive instruments.
How does the Hubble Space Telescope stay in its orbit?
The Hubble Space Telescope stays in its orbit with the help of its two solar arrays and thrusters. The solar arrays convert sunlight into electricity to power the telescope’s systems and keep its batteries charged. The thrusters are used to keep the telescope in its orbit by making small adjustments to its speed and direction as needed.
What are the benefits of the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit?
The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit provides several benefits that make it an excellent tool for observing the universe. Firstly, its orbit allows it to observe the universe continuously, without interruption from the Earth’s rotation. Secondly, its orbit allows it to observe a wide range of objects in the sky, including galaxies, planets, stars, and nebulae. Thirdly, its orbit allows it to observe the same objects repeatedly, which is essential for monitoring changes in space over time.
One key takeaway from understanding the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope is that its position in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is crucial for its ability to observe the universe. The LEO allows the telescope to avoid atmospheric interference and radiation from the Van Allen belts, providing a clear view of celestial objects and protecting its sensitive instruments. The HST’s orbit also allows it to observe the universe continuously and repeatedly, providing valuable insights into the evolution and changes of objects in space. Although the Hubble Space Telescope’s mission is coming to an end, its legacy will continue with the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which will be placed in a different orbit and allow for greater discoveries in the infrared spectrum.
What are some examples of the HST’s orbit enabling extraordinary observations?
The Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit has enabled some extraordinary observations of the universe. For example, it has allowed astronomers to observe distant galaxies and quasars, providing valuable insights into the evolution of the universe. It has also enabled the discovery of exoplanets, planets outside our solar system, and the study of their atmospheres. The HST has also been used to observe the early universe, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, the afterglow of the Big Bang.
What is the future of the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit?
The Hubble Space Telescope has already been in operation for over 30 years, and its mission has been extended several times. However, the telescope is expected to reach the end of its life in the next few years. NASA is planning to launch a new space telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, to replace the Hubble Space Telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope will be placed in a different orbit, approximately 1.5 million kilometers (nearly one million miles) from Earth, at the second Lagrange point, L2. This location will provide a stable environment for the telescope and allow it to observe the universe in the infrared spectrum.
What will happen to the Hubble Space Telescope after it reaches the end of its life?
Once the Hubble Space Telescope reaches the end of its life, NASA plans to de-orbit it and allow it to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere. This is to prevent it from becoming space debris, which can be hazardous to other spacecraft and satellites in orbit. Before it is de-orbited, NASA plans to replace some of its instruments with newer technology, which will allow it to continue to contribute to the scientific study of the universe until its final days.
In conclusion, the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbit is essential to its mission to observe the universe. Its LEO helps it avoid atmospheric interference, and its thrusters keep it in its orbit. The benefits of its orbit are numerous, allowing it to observe a wide range of objects, observe continuously, and repeat observations. Although the Hubble Space Telescope’s mission is coming to an end, it will continue to contribute to scientific discoveries until its final days, and its legacy will continue with the James Webb Space Telescope.
FAQs – What orbit is the Hubble Space Telescope in?
What is the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope orbits above Earth’s atmosphere, in a low Earth orbit (LEO) about 550 kilometers (340 miles) above Earth’s surface. Hubble’s orbit is slightly inclined with respect to the equator at about 28.5 degrees. This orbit makes it possible for the telescope to observe almost the entire sky, with the exception of some regions close to the poles.
How long does it take for the Hubble Space Telescope to complete one orbit?
The Hubble Space Telescope takes approximately 97 minutes to complete one orbit. As Hubble orbits Earth, it travels at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour).
How does the Hubble Space Telescope maintain its orbit?
The Hubble Space Telescope orbits at an altitude where some atmospheric drag exists, which gradually reduces its speed and altitude. To maintain its orbit, Hubble carries out regular orbit boosts using its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters. The RCS helps the telescope to move and orient itself in space, and adjust its orbital path as needed.
Can the Hubble Space Telescope collide with space debris in its orbit?
There is a risk of space debris colliding with the Hubble Space Telescope in its orbit, as there are thousands of objects orbiting Earth. To minimize this risk, NASA tracks and monitors the trajectory of debris and can make adjustments to the Hubble orbit to avoid potential collisions. Additionally, the Hubble Space Telescope was designed with protective shielding to help prevent damage from possible debris impacts.
What will happen to the Hubble Space Telescope when it reaches the end of its mission?
The Hubble Space Telescope has already exceeded its expected mission lifespan, but NASA plans to keep it operational as long as possible. Eventually, however, it will no longer be possible to maintain the telescope’s orbit and control its operations. At that point, the Hubble Space Telescope will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, with any remaining debris falling into the ocean or on unpopulated land.
