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Unlike on many previous NASA space science missions, anyone can apply for observing time on the Hubble Space Telescope. The application process is open to worldwide competition without restrictions on nationality or academic affiliation.
Competition for time on the telescope is extremely intense. Potential users must show that their observations can only be accomplished with Hubble’s unique capabilities and are beyond the capabilities of ground-based telescopes.
Telescope observing time is measured by the number of orbits required for a successful observation. Programs requiring many orbits get much greater scrutiny. The observations must address a significant astronomical mystery.
Image above: Zolt Levay (left), senior image processor, and Vanessa Thomas, informal science specialist, review data retrieved from the Hubble Space Telescope archive. Credit: NASA
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The Hubble Space Telescope Observing Program
Unlike on many previous NASA space science missions, anyone can apply for observing time on the Hubble Space Telescope.
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Improving Hubble’s Space Armor
When astronauts return to Hubble for Servicing Mission 4 this fall, they will be revamping and reenergizing the telescope for the final leg of its journey. One of the tasks they aim to complete is the installation of New Outer Blanket Layers, or NOBLs.
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Hubble Instruments Slated for On-Orbit 'Surgery'
When astronauts visit the Hubble Space Telescope in October 2008 for its final servicing mission, they will be facing a task that has no precedence – performing on-orbit 'surgery' on two ailing science instruments that reside inside the telescope.
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Engineers Design a New Composite Carrier for Hubble Servicing Mission
Hubble engineers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. are ushering in a new era in spaceflight with successful design of the first of its kind composite equipment carrier.
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Extending Hubble's Mission Life with New Batteries
Astronauts will replace all six of Hubble's batteries during Servicing Mission 4.
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NASA's Clean Room: Last Stop for New Hubble Hardware
Before new Hubble components are ready for launch and installation, they must spend time in a clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
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New Hubble Parts Endure Environmental Tests
To prepare for Servicing Mission 4, new Hubble components must endure harsh tests at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
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Hubble's Ground-Based Guidance
The Hubble would not be able to do what it does without the help of a small group of dedicated engineers and technicians at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
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Out-of-This-World Tools for Hubble Tasks
A team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center designs and builds the special tools and aids astronauts need when they service the Hubble Space Telescope.
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Custom Blankets for the Hubble Space Telescope
One of Servicing Mission 4's many objectives is the refurbishment of Hubble's outer thermal blankets.
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Goddard Engineers and Divers Multi-Task for Hubble
Ever wonder how NASA astronauts prepare for Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions?
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New Science Instruments for Hubble
Astronauts will install two new Hubble instruments during the final shuttle servicing mission targeted for this fall.
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Our Journey Back to Hubble
Since its launch in April 1990, the Hubble continues to excite astronomers around the world with its discoveries.
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Astronauts Visit NASA Goddard for Training to Service Hubble
Astronauts traveled to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to prepare for Servicing Mission 4 to the Hubble Space Telescope.
Servicing Mission 4
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Return to Hubble
Coming soon to a telescope near you ...
› View This Video
 "Hubble Servicing Mission 4")
Series Introduction
The articles strive to tell the stories of the team behind Hubble, the telescope itself and the amazing steps it takes in observing our universe's many wonders.
For more on Servicing Mission 4:
> Hubble servicing missions page
> Hubble project site
'Next Stop: Hubble' Videos
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Inside the Hubble Testing Chambers
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Countdown to SM4
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Hubble Operations Control Center
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Innovative Tools for a Stellar Job
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Goddard Engineers and Divers Multi-Task for Hubble
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Astronauts Train for SM4
 "The inside of the NASA Goddard Thermal Vacuum Chamber")
 "Image of the Hubble Space Telescope and SM4 graphic")
 "Inside Hubble Operations Control at Goddard")
 "An astronaut uses one of the CATS tools")