Moisture loss from graphite structures for the Hubble Space TelescopeThe construction and telescope assembly of the NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is described with particular reference to the features of its construction material. Due to the hygroscopic nature of the graphite-fiber reinforced epoxy, used for much of the structure of the HST, the telescope, when in orbit, suffers losses of water, absorbed during on-ground procedures, accompanied by shrinkage of the epoxy matrix, and needs periodic realignment. Using a combination of analytic, laboratory measured, and in-space measured data, an operational plan for adjusting the alignment of the HST is presented. The refocusing plan must take into account the preceding ground environment, as well as the prelaunch, lift-off, and predeployment environments of the HST-bearing Space Shuttle.
Document ID
19860029641
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Facey, T. A. (Perkin-Elmer Corp. Danbury, CT, United States)
Defilippis, N. A. (Perkin-Elmer Corp. Danbury, CT, United States)
Young, P. J. (Perkin-Elmer Corp. Space Science Div., Danbury, CT, United States)