Energy storage technologyhubble space telescope

Does the Hubble Space Telescope need electricity?

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 long does a Hubble telescope last?

When power from the solar arrays is not immediately used by the spacecraft, it is stored in batteries for when Hubble is in Earth’s shadow. One Hubble orbit lasts approximately 95 minutes, and the telescope is in Earth’s shadow for about 36 minutes of each orbit. Hubble’s six batteries are each constructed of 22 nickel hydrogen (NiH2) cells.

What kind of batteries does the Hubble Space Telescope use?

Hubble’s Rechargeable Batteries The famed Hubble Space Telescope relies on specially formulated rechargeable batteries that provide power to the telescope’s science instruments and critical components during each []

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 do Hubble solar arrays work?

The solar arrays collect energy from the Sun, generating power for all of Hubble’s systems. Power created by the solar arrays is managed by the power control unit (PCU). The original PCU was replaced with a newer model when the third-generation solar arrays were installed in 2002.

How much power does Hubble use?

On average, Hubble uses 2,100 watts of power, which is roughly the same as five refrigerators. However, the amount of power needed by the spacecraft varies from orbit to orbit, so the battery charge levels must be able to change as well.