HST uses no fuel at all - it was designed to be an orbital repair satellite from the beginning, and the Shuttle that performs each Servicing Mission boosts it back into a higher orbit after they're done working on it. All power comes from the huge twin solar panels on each side. Since no more missions are planned (don't hold your breath - HST is NASA's largest PR cash cow), HST will eventually decay until it burns up in the atmosphere.
Chat with our AI personalities
The Hubble Space Telescope does not run on traditional fuel like gasoline or electricity. Instead, it is powered by solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity to operate its instruments and systems.
The short answer ---> Power is generated by Solar panels, saved in batteries and used as needed.
Robert
Solar arrays are a good choice to power the Hubble Space Telescope because they can provide a reliable source of energy in space where sunlight is readily available. They are efficient, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for long-term space missions like the Hubble. Additionally, solar arrays help to reduce the reliance on battery power and can extend the operational lifetime of the telescope.
The Hubble Space Telescope collects solar radiation by means of large solar panels covered with photovoltaic cells, and derives its electric power that way, which is used to operate it, warm and cool it, and run its communications systems. It's controlled from Earth, and sends its images and other data to Earth, by means of radio. It's completely uninhabited, and is in a gravitational orbit of the Earth so it needs no propulsion.
Once an object is moving in space, no fuel is needed tokeep it going, only to change its speed or direction.
If you run out of fuel in space, your spacecraft would be unable to maneuver or generate power. This could leave you adrift in space, making it difficult to return to Earth or complete your mission. It is important for spacecraft to carefully plan their fuel usage to ensure they have enough for the journey.
A disadvantage of having a telescope in space is the high cost involved in building, launching, and maintaining it. Additionally, servicing the telescope in space is much more complex and limited compared to telescopes on Earth. Lastly, space telescopes are vulnerable to space debris and solar radiation which can potentially damage their delicate instruments.