posted 05-31-2015 04:24 PM               

The highly successful Hubble Space Telescope was meant to change our view and understanding of the universe. Within weeks of its launch in 1990, however, the space community was shocked to find out that the primary mirror of the telescope was flawed. It was only the skills of scientists and engineers on the ground and the daring talents of astronauts sent to service the telescope in December 1993 that saved the mission.

For over two decades NASA had developed the capabilities to service a payload in orbit. This involved numerous studies and the creation of a ground-based infrastructure to support the challenging missions. Unique tools and EVA hardware supported the skills developed in crew training that then enabled astronauts to complete a demanding series of spacewalks.

Drawing upon first hand interviews with those closely involved in the project over thirty years ago this story explains the development of the servicing mission concept and the hurdles that had to be overcome to not only launch the telescope but also to mount the first servicing mission — a mission that restored the telescope to full working order three years after its launch, saved the reputation of NASA, and truly opened a new age in understanding of our place in space.

This is not just a tale of space age technology, astronauts and astronomy. It is also a story of an audacious scientific vision, and the human ingenuity and determination to overcome all obstacles to make it possible. Hubble Space Telescope: From Concept to Success is a story of an international partnership, dedicated teamwork and a perfect blend of human and robotic space operations that will inspire people of all ages. The subsequent servicing missions that enabled the telescope to continue its scientific program beyond its 25th year in orbit are described in a companion volume Enhancing Hubble's Vision: Servicing a National Treasure.

• Softcover
  
• Publisher: Springer-Praxis, 2016 (Dec. 4, 2015)

posted 06-11-2015 05:53 AM               

This was a extensive project to compile and the more I researched the topic the more information was unearthed. The decision to split the original book into two was a logical one, to meet the requirements of Springer and yet retain the material presented.

This first book opens with the deployment mission of STS-31 and continues with the background to developing the concept of the telescope and its capability to be serviced in orbit. The book also reveals the huge infrastructure and effort required to plan and support the servicing missions over many years. The story concludes with an account of STS-61, the first servicing missions, and the success in restoring the optics to their full potential.

posted 11-20-2015 01:09 PM               

I would have liked to focus on each of the six missions in greater detail but there was so much to tell in the overall story of the Servicing Missions I was luck to get two titles out!

Another phase of the Shuttle programme will be the focus for my next book, this time recalling the development of docking and assembly missions to Mir and ISS.