Space telescope

A space telescope (also known as a space observatory) is a telescope placed in outer space to watch stars, planets, and other objects in space. The idea for space telescopes was suggested by Lyman Spitzer in 1946. The first telescopes in space were the American Orbiting Astronomical Observatory and OAO-2, launched in 1968, and the Soviet Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope on the space station Salyut 1 in 1971.

Space telescopes are special because they avoid problems that happen when telescopes are on Earth. The air around Earth can block or change the light from stars and planets, and clouds can hide them completely. Space telescopes can see clearly because they are above the air. They can also see faint objects during the day and are not troubled by bright lights from cities, which can make it hard for telescopes on the ground.

There are two main types of space telescopes. Some move around to map large areas of the sky, like taking pictures of many different places in space. Others focus on one special object or a small part of the sky for a longer time. These space telescopes are different from satellites that look at Earth, which are used for things like watching the weather or gathering information from our planet.

History

In 1946, an American scientist named Lyman Spitzer suggested putting a telescope in space. He thought it would help us see stars and other space objects better because Earth's air can block or blur the view. Thanks to Spitzer's idea and the hard work of many people, including Nancy Grace Roman, the Hubble Space Telescope was finally launched on April 24, 1990, by the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Before Hubble, there were other space telescopes. The first one was the American Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, OAO-2, launched in 1968. Another early telescope was the Soviet Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope on the space station Salyut 1 in 1971.

Advantages

Looking at the stars from Earth has some problems because our air can change and block the light. But a telescope that flies above Earth in space does not have these problems. It can see stars much more clearly without the air making the lights twinkle or without extra lights from cities making it hard to see.

Some kinds of light, like X-rays, infrared light, and ultraviolet light, cannot reach us from space because Earth’s air blocks them. That’s why special telescopes like the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, the XMM-Newton observatory, and the International Ultraviolet Explorer are placed above Earth’s air so they can see these special kinds of light.

Disadvantages

Space telescopes cost much more to build than telescopes on Earth. Because they are far away in space, it is very hard to fix them. The Hubble Space Telescope was repaired using the Space Shuttle, but most space telescopes cannot be repaired at all.

Future of space observatories

Satellites have been launched and operated by NASA, ISRO, ESA, CNSA, JAXA and the Soviet space program (later succeeded by Roscosmos of Russia). Many space observatories have finished their work, while others are still operating. The future of space telescopes depends on getting enough money and support. Scientists worry there might be times when no new telescopes are ready, which could slow down important research.

On 16 January 2023, NASA talked about plans for new space telescope programs, including the Great Observatory Technology Maturation Program, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and New Great Observatories.

List of space telescopes

Main article: List of space telescopes