The Hubble Space Telescope is repaired and upgraded when needed. Many ...
Answer:
To determine the number of servicing missions launched to repair or upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope, we need to review the historical records.
1. Space Shuttle missions:
- The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space in 1990 by the Space Shuttle Discovery.
- The Space Shuttle program ended in 2011.
- Therefore, the servicing missions must have taken place between 1990 and 2011.
2. Servicing missions:
- From the historical records, a total of five servicing missions were launched to repair or upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope.
- These missions were carried out by the Space Shuttle.
- The purpose of these missions was to address technical issues, replace components, and install new instruments to enhance the functionality and capabilities of the telescope.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: 5.
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The Hubble Space Telescope is repaired and upgraded when needed. Many ...
IntroductionThe Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has undergone several servicing missions to maintain its functionality and enhance its capabilities. These missions have been crucial for extending the telescope's operational life and ensuring it delivers high-quality astronomical data.
Servicing Missions OverviewThe Hubble Space Telescope has had a total of
five servicing missions. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Servicing Mission 1 (SM1): Launched in 1993, this mission aimed to correct the telescope's initial optical flaw with the installation of corrective optics.
- Servicing Mission 2 (SM2): Conducted in 1997, this mission upgraded the telescope’s instruments and added new capabilities, including the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2.
- Servicing Mission 3A (SM3A): In 1999, this mission replaced gyroscopes and batteries, which were essential for Hubble's stability and power.
- Servicing Mission 3B (SM3B): Also in 2002, this mission further upgraded instruments and repaired the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph.
- Servicing Mission 4 (SM4): Launched in 2009, this final servicing mission installed new science instruments and enhanced capabilities, ensuring Hubble could continue its work for years to come.
ConclusionOverall, the five servicing missions have been pivotal in maintaining the Hubble Space Telescope's status as one of the most important astronomical tools, allowing it to provide groundbreaking discoveries and stunning images of the universe.