Hubble telescope solar panel support

How do Hubble solar panels work?

Hubble’s current set of rigid solar panels use gallium-arsenide photovoltaic cells that produce enough power for all the science instruments to operate simultaneously. The first and second sets were larger, flexible panels, but produced less power.

What equipment does the Hubble Space Telescope use?

The first and second sets were larger, flexible panels, but produced less power. Essential support systems such as computers, batteries, gyroscopes, reaction wheels, and electronics are contained in these areas. Discover the individual instruments astronomers use to conduct science on the Hubble Space Telescope.

How does the Hubble Space Telescope use electricity?

Overview The Hubble Space Telescope requires electricity to power its science instruments, computers, heaters, transmitters, and other electronic equipment. To fulfill that need, Hubble’s electrical power system produces, stores, controls, and distributes electrical energy for the entire spacecraft.

How much more power does Hubble's third set of solar panels produce?

With an area 1/3 less than the previous ESA-built set of solar panels, Hubble's third set of solar arrays produces 20% more power. The power control unit was also replaced during the same servicing mission and the result of this plus the new solar arrays led to a power increase of 30% overall.

What is Hubble's electrical power system?

To fulfill that need, Hubble’s electrical power system produces, stores, controls, and distributes electrical energy for the entire spacecraft. The major components of the electrical power system are the solar arrays, batteries, power control unit, power distribution units, and their supporting electronics.

How many solar panels does Hubble have?

Hubble has had three different sets of solar arrays since it was launched in 1990. The European Space Agency developed the first two sets of solar arrays. The third set has a total of eight panels, which were purchased off the production line of the commercial system of Iridium communications satellites.