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Several spacecraft support systems are required to keep Hubble functioning
smoothly in space. These systems are located around the
body of the spacecraft and encompassed by the outer hull. |
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Solar Arrays (2) |
25-foot (7-meter) panels that convert sunlight into 5680 watts
of electricity in order to power the telescope. |
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Communications Antennae (2) |
Transmit Hubble's information to communications satellites
called the Tracking & Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)
System for relay to White Sands, the Space Telescope Operations
Control Center (STOCC) in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STSci) in Baltimore, Maryland. |
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Computer Support Systems Modules |
Contains devices and systems needed to operate the Hubble
Telescope. Serves as the master control system for communications,
navigation, power management, etc. |
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Electronic Boxes |
Houses much of the electronics including computer equipment
and rechargeable batteries. |
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Aperture Door |
Protects Hubble's optics in the same way a camera's lens
cap shields the lens. It closes during servicing missions and in response to certain kinds of "safe mode". |
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Light Shield |
Light passes through this before entering the optics
system. It blocks unwanted external light from entering Hubble. |
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Pointing Control System |
This system aligns the spacecraft to point to and remain
locked on any target. |
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