Custom Blankets for the Hubble Space Telescope

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After cutting the raw material needed for the thermal blanket technician Brenda Estavia carefully sews on a piece of Velcro. Click image for enlargement. Credit: NASA
After cutting the raw material needed for the thermal blanket, technician Brenda Estavia carefully sews on a piece of Velcro. Click image for enlargement. Credit: NASA

The Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission 4, scheduled for August 2008, aims to complete multiple upgrades and repairs, many of which are crucial for prolonging the telescope’s operational life. One of the mission’s many objectives is the refurbishment of its outer thermal blankets.


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All News summaries from Space & Earth science news
All News summaries for December 17, 2007

Deadlines set for designating polar bear habitat

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- The federal government will designate "critical habitat" for polar bears off Alaska's coast, a decision that could add restrictions to future offshore petroleum exploration or drilling.

Small asteroid headed for light show over Africa

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- A small asteroid was headed for a fiery but harmless dive into Earth's atmosphere early Tuesday morning over Africa, astronomers said in a first of its kind advance warning.

Cassini flyby of Saturn moon offers insight into solar system history

4 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
NASA's Cassini spacecraft is scheduled to fly within 16 miles of Saturn's moon Enceladus on Oct. 9 and measure molecules in its space environment that could give insight into the history of the solar system.

NASA study finds rising Arctic storm activity sways sea ice, climate

Oct 06, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A new NASA study shows that the rising frequency and intensity of arctic storms over the last half century, attributed to progressively warmer waters, directly provoked acceleration of the rate of arctic sea ice drift, long ...

Lichens function as indicators of nitrogen pollution in forests

Oct 06, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
Scientists have found lichens can give insight into nitrogen air pollution effects on Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino mountain ecosystems, and protecting them provides safeguards for less sensitive species.