Hubble

In 1946, the American astrophysicist Lyman Spitzer published the article «advantages Astronomical advantages of an extra-terrestrial observatory». The article highlighted two main advantages of such a telescope. Firstly, its angular resolution is limited to diffraction, a non turbulent flow in the atmosphere, whereas the resolution of ground-based telescopes were from 0.5 to 1.0 arc seconds, whereas the theoretical limit of diffraction for permission telescope with a mirror 2, 5 meters is about 0.1 seconds. Secondly, the space telescope could observe infrared and ultraviolet ranges, in which the absorption of radiation the Earth's atmosphere very much.

Spitzer has devoted much of his academic career advancement of the project. In 1962, a report published by the National Academy of Sciences, recommended development of an orbital telescope in space program, and in 1965, Spitzer has been appointed head of committee, whose responsibilities included the definition of scientific problems for a large space telescope.

Space astronomy began to develop after the Second World War. In 1946, the first was received by ultra-violet spectrum of the Sun. Orbital Telescope to study the Sun was launched by Great Britain in 1962 under the program «Ariel», and in 1966 NASA launched the first Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. The mission was not successful because of the refusal of batteries, three days after launch. In 1968 he started OAO-2, which made observation of ultraviolet radiation of stars and galaxies up to 1972, significantly exceeding the estimated lifetime of 1 year.

Mission OAO have a tangible demonstration of the role that can play orbiting telescopes, and in 1968, NASA has approved a plan to construct a telescope-reflector with a mirror diameter of 3 m. The project is called LST (Large Space Telescope). Launch planned for 1972. The program stressed the need for regular manned expeditions to service the telescope to ensure the long work of expensive equipment. In parallel, developing the Space Shuttle program has provided hope for the opportunities.