Saving Private Hubble

Paris, 09 Jul 2004

To study neighbouring planets, distant stars and galaxies light years away, astronomers have constantly strived to improve their instruments. But for years, our Earth's atmosphere has veiled their observations. In April 1990, a new telescope opened a new window for space science. Today Euronews looks at the Hubble Space Telescope.

In April 1990, the launch of the Hubble telescope opened a new window for space science. The 11 tonne space observatory, orbiting our planet at an altitude of nearly 600 km, has allowed astronomers throughout the world to considerably increase our knowledge of the Universe.

The telescope was conceived and built jointly by NASA and ESA. It was designed to last 20 years, with regular servicing missions by the Shuttle. Astronauts have thus been four times to repair and upgrade its instruments.

The scientific community has never ceased to praise this exceptional tool. Hubble images have also greatly contributed to a wider understanding of space-based astronomy. Its colourful views of convoluted galaxies where stars are being born, of distant star formations, even close up views of neighbouring planets have struck the public imagination.

The Columbia tragedy in February 2003 had unexpected consequences for Hubble. Following the accident enquiry, flights to the International Space Station became the priority for Shuttle missions when they resume next year. A Hubble mission has also been considered too risky. So the planned servicing mission to change its batteries and gyroscopes before 2008 was cancelled.

An initial decision by NASA concerning Hubble was met by an outcry from its users, the world's scientific community and a wider public. All the more because Hubble's successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, will only be launched in 2011.

NASA has since agreed to consider proposals for an entirely robotic mission both to repair the telescope and to ensure that it can safely be brought back to Earth when its day finally comes. Proposals have been called for and a decision on whether to go ahead to save Hubble is expected in the coming weeks.

The latest edition of EuroNews 'Space' magazine has met scientists in Munich where the European branch of the Hubble programme is managed. It focuses on Hubble's immense contribution to space science with examples of its images and evokes the eventual robotic rescue mission.

EuroNews

EuroNews is a key medium for delivering international information with a European point of view. Broadcast in 79 countries, EuroNews reaches 144 million households in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and North and Latin America via cable, digital satellite and through terrestrial channels.

This Space Magazine is produced and broadcast every two weeks, with a new programme starting every second Friday. Each magazine is four minutes long and broadcast 21 times in one week, including evening prime time on Fridays and Saturdays, in order to reach a maximum audience.

Transmission times

Monday 12:45 18:15 00:15
Tuesday 12:45 18:15 00:15
Wednesday 12:45 18:15 00:15
Thursday 12:45 18:15 00:15
Friday 17:45 20:45 00:15
Saturday 12:45 21:15 00:15
Sunday 12:45 18:15 00:15

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European Space Agency
http:///www.esa.int/export/esaCP/index.html
Item source: http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/SEM682M2 6WD_index_0.html