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Title
The Hubble Space Telescope [electronic resource] : from concept to success / David J. Shayler with David M. Harland.
ISBN
9781493928279 (electronic book)
1493928279 (electronic book)
9781493928262
1493928260
Published
New York : Springer ; Chichester, UK : Published in association with Praxis Publishing, [2016]
Copyright
©2016
Language
English
Description
1 online resource (xxiii, 414 pages).
Item Number
10.1007/978-1-4939-2827-9 doi
Call Number
QB500.268
Dewey Decimal Classification
522/.2919
Summary
The highly successful Hubble Space Telescope was meant to change our view and understanding of the universe. Within weeks of its launch in 1990, however, the space community was shocked to find out that the primary mirror of the telescope was flawed. It was only the skills of scientists and engineers on the ground and the daring talents of astronauts sent to service the telescope in December 1993 that saved the mission. For over two decades NASA had developed the capabilities to service a payload in orbit. This involved numerous studies and the creation of a ground-based infrastructure to support the challenging missions. Unique tools and EVA hardware supported the skills developed in crew training that then enabled astronauts to complete a demanding series of spacewalks. Drawing upon first hand interviews with those closely involved in the project over thirty years ago this story explains the development of the servicing mission concept and the hurdles that had to be overcome to not only launch the telescope but also to mount the first servicing mission - a mission that restored the telescope to full working order three years after its launch, saved the reputation of NASA, and truly opened a new age in understanding of our place in space. This is not just a tale of space age technology, astronauts and astronomy. It is also a story of an audacious scientific vision, and the human ingenuity and determination to overcome all obstacles to make it possible. Hubble Space Telescope: From Concept to Success is a story of an international partnership, dedicated teamwork and a perfect blend of human and robotic space operations that will inspire people of all ages. The subsequent servicing missions that enabled the telescope to continue its scientific program beyond its 25th year in orbit are described in a companion volume Enhancing Hubble's Vision: Service Missions That Expanded Our View of the Universe.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 397-400) and index.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description
Online resource; title from PDF title page (viewed December 2, 2015).
Series
Springer-Praxis books in space exploration.
Part I: Birth of a Telescope
Development of a telescope
Man-tended Hardware
Nuts and bolts
systems and support
Servicing satellites
tools of the trade
Troubled times
Part II: Deployment and Recovery
Funding the plans and program
Simulating the servicing
STS-31
The deployment mission
STS-61
Service Mission 1
back on track
Part III: Upgrades
Planning new science
STS-82
Service Mission 2
return to an old friend
STS-103
Service Mission 3A
a mission split in two
STS-109
Service Mission 3B
the other half
Part IV: Lost Dreams and a New Hope
A fourth mission in doubt?
STS-125
Service Mission 4
a final farewell
The twilight years and beyond
NASA at its best.
