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What is the Orientation of the HST Optical Axis Relative to its Direction of Motion?

-- Joseph | July 27, 2022

Question:

What is the orientation of the optical telescope assembly with respect to the direction of motion of the Hubble Space Telescope? If it happens to be in the direction of motion, does the primary mirror face the direction of motion or is it facing backwards, similar to the rear view mirror of a car?

-- Joseph

Answer:

It is my understanding that for normal operations HST can point in any direction which properly allows for illumination of its solar panels, or a target-to-sun angle that is greater than 55 degrees.

-- Jeff Mangum

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