Solar Arrays (2)

40-foot (12-meter) panels that convert sunlight into 2400 watts of electricity in order to power the telescope.

Communications Antennae (2)

Transmit Hubble's information to communications satellites called the Tracking & Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) for relay to ground controllers at the Space Telescope Operations Control Center (STOCC) in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Computer Support Systems Modules

Contains devices and systems needed to operate the Hubble Telescope. Serves as the master control system for communications, navigation, power management, etc.

Electronic Boxes

Houses much of the electronics including computer equipment and rechargeable batteries.

Aperture Door

Protects Hubble's optics in the same way a camera's lens cap shields the lens. It closes when Hubble is not in operation to prevent bright light from hitting the mirrors and instruments.

Light Shield

Light passes through this shaft before entering the optics system. It blocks surrounding light from entering Hubble.

Pointing Control System

This system aligns the spacecraft to point to and remain locked on any target.