List of space telescopes

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The Hubble Space Telescope This list of space telescopes (astronomical space observatories) is grouped by major frequency ranges: gamma ray, x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave and radio. Telescopes that work in multiple frequency bands are included in all of the appropriate sections. Space telescopes that collect particles, such as cosmic ray nuclei and/or electrons, as well as instruments that aim to detect gravitational waves, are also listed. Missions that look solely within our solar system, including the Earth, other planets within our system and our Sun, are excluded; see List of Solar System probes for these. Two values are provided for the dimensions of the initial orbit. For telescopes in Earth orbit, the min and max altitude are given in kilometers. For telescopes in solar orbit, the minimum distance (periapsis) and the maximum distance (apoapsis) between the telescope and the center of mass of the sun are given in astronomical units (AU).

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1 Gamma ray 2 X-ray 3 Ultraviolet 4 Visible 5 Infrared 6 Microwave 7 Radio 8 Particle detection 9 Gravitational waves 10 References

[edit] Gamma ray

Further information: Gamma ray astronomy Gamma ray telescopes collect and measure individual, high energy gamma rays from astrophysical sources. These are absorbed by the atmosphere, requiring that observations are done by high-altitude balloons or space missions. Gamma rays can be generated by supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars and black holes. Gamma ray bursts, with extremely high energies, have also been detected but have yet to be identified.[1]

An illustration of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope drawing

An illustration of Granat Name 3rd High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO 3) Astrorivelatore Gamma ad Immagini LEggero (AGILE) Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) Cos-B Space Agency NASA Launch Terminated Location Date 20 29 May Earth orbit (486.4 September 1981 504.9 km) 1979 23 April 2007 Earth orbit (524 553 km) Earth orbit (362 457 km) Earth orbit (339.6 99,876 km) Ref(s)
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ISA NASA ESA

[4][5]

5 April 4 June 2000 1991 9 August 25 April 1975 1982

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[9][10][11]

Gamma Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope Granat High Energy Transient Explorer 2 (HETE 2) International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) Low Energy Gamma Ray Imager (LEGRI) Second Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS 2) Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer

USSR, CNES, RSA NASA CNRS & IKI NASA ESA INTA NASA

NASA

1 July 1992 Earth orbit (375 km) 1990 11 June Earth orbit (555 km) 2008 1 25 May Earth orbit (2,000 December 1999 200,000 km) 1989 9 October Earth orbit (590 2000 650 km) 17 Earth orbit (639 October 153,000 km) 2002 19 May 2002 Earth orbit (600 km) 1997 15 Earth orbit (443 November 8 June 1973 632 km) 1972 20 Earth orbit (585 November 604 km) 2004

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[edit] X-ray
Further information: X-ray astronomy X-ray telescopes measure high-energy photons called X-rays. These can not travel a long distance through the atmosphere, meaning that they can only be observed high in the atmosphere or in space. Several types of astrophysical objects emit X-rays, from galaxy clusters, through black holes in active galactic nuclei to galactic objects such as supernova remnants, stars, and binary stars containing a white dwarf (cataclysmic variable stars), neutron star or black hole (Xray binaries). Some solar system bodies emit X-rays, the most notable being the Moon, although most of the X-ray brightness of the Moon arises from reflected solar X-rays. A combination of many unresolved X-ray sources is thought to produce the observed X-ray background.

The Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics

An artist's impression of BeppoSAX

The Einstein Observatory (HEAO 2)

NASA conception of IXO Name 1st High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO 1) 3rd High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO 3) A Broadband Imaging Xray All-sky Survey (ABRIXAS) Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) AGILE Ariel V Array of Low Energy Xray Imaging Sensors Space Agency NASA Launch Terminated Date 12 August 9 January 1977 1979 20 September 1979 29 May 1981 Location Earth orbit (445 km) Earth orbit (486.4 504.9 km) Earth orbit (549 598 km) Earth orbit (523.6 615.3 km) Earth orbit (524 553 km) Earth orbit (520 km) Earth orbit (749 844 km) Ref(s)
[28][29][30]

NASA

[2][3][3]

DLR NASA & ISAS ISA SRC & NASA LANL

28 April 1 July 1999 1999 20 February 1993 23 April 2007 15 October 1974 25 April 1993 2 March 2001 14 March 1980 2005

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(Alexis) Aryabhata Astron Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) Astrosat BeppoSAX Broad Band X-ray Telescope / Astro 1 Chandra X-ray Observatory Cos-B Cosmic Radiation Satellite (CORSA) Dark Universe Observatory Einstein Observatory (HEAO 2) EXOSAT Ginga (Astro-C) ISRO IKI SRON ISRO ASI NASA NASA ESA ISAS NASA NASA ESA ISAS CNRS & IKI ISAS NASA ESA NASA 19 April 1975 23 March 1983 30 August 1974 2011 30 April 1996 2 December 1990 23 July 1999 9 August 1975 6 February 1976 TBA 23 April 1975 June 1989 June 1976 30 April 2002 11 December 1990 25 April 1982 6 February 1976 Earth orbit (563 619 km) Earth orbit (2,000 200,000 km) Earth orbit (266 1176 km) Earth orbit (650 km) Earth orbit (575 594 km) Earth orbit (500 km) Earth orbit (9,942 140,000 km) Earth orbit (339.6 99,876 km) Failed launch Earth orbit (600 km)
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Granat

Hakucho High Energy Transient Explorer 2 (HETE 2) International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) International X-ray

13 26 April Earth orbit (465 November 1981 476 km) 1978 26 May 8 April Earth orbit (347 1983 1986 191,709 km) 5 1 November Earth orbit (517 February 1991 708 km) 1987 1 25 May Earth orbit (2,000 December 1999 200,000 km) 1989 21 16 April Earth orbit (421 February 1985 433 km) 1979 9 October Earth orbit (590 2000 650 km) 17 Earth orbit (639 October 153,000 km) 2002 TBA

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[14][15][16]

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Observatory Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) ROSAT Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer Spectrum-X-Gamma Suzaku (ASTRO-E2) Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer Tenma Third Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS-C) Uhuru X-Ray Evolving Universe Spectroscopy Mission (XEUS) XMM-Newton

NASA NASA & DLR NASA IKI & NASA JAXA & NASA NASA

3 February Earth orbit (525 km) 2012 1 June 12 February Earth orbit (580 km) 1990 1999 30 December Earth orbit (409 km) 1995 2010

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ISAS NASA NASA

10 July Earth orbit (550 km) 2005 20 Earth orbit (585 November 604 km) 2004 20 19 January Earth orbit (489 February 1989 503 km) 1983 7 May Earth orbit (509 April 1979 1975 516 km) 12 Earth orbit (531 December March 1973 572 km) 1970 2018 10 December 1999 Earth orbit (7,365 114,000 km)

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ESA

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ESA

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[edit] Ultraviolet
Further information: Ultraviolet astronomy Ultraviolet telescopes make observations at ultraviolet wavelengths, i.e. between approximately 10 and 320 nm. Light at these wavelengths is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, so observations at these wavelengths must be performed from the upper atmosphere or from space.[94] Objects emitting ultraviolet radiation include the Sun, other stars and galaxies.[95]

The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

An artist's impression of GALEX

The Copernicus Observatory in a clean room Name Astro 2 Astron Astronomical Netherlands Satellite (ANS) Astrosat Broad Band X-ray Telescope / Astro 1 Copernicus Observatory (OAO-3) Cosmic Hot Interstellar Spectrometer (CHIPS) Space Agency NASA IKI SRON ISRO NASA NASA NASA Launch Date 2 March 1993 23 March 1983 30 August 1974 2011 2 December 1990 21 August 1972 13 January Terminated 18 March 1993 June 1989 June 1976 11 December 1990 1980 Location Earth orbit (349 363 km) Earth orbit (2,000 200,000 km) Earth orbit (266 1176 km) Earth orbit (650 km) Earth orbit (500 km) Earth orbit (713 724 km) Earth orbit (578 594 km) Ref(s)
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Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)

NASA NASA & CNES & CSA NASA

2003 7 June 1992 24 June 1999

31 January 2001 12 July 2007

Earth orbit (515 527 km) Earth orbit (752 767 km) Earth orbit (691 697 km) Earth orbit (586.47 610.44 km) Earth orbit (32,050 52,254 km) Earth orbit (675 695 km) Earth orbit (749 758 km) Earth orbit (585 604 km)

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28 April 2003 NASA & 24 April Hubble Space Telescope ESA 1990 ESA & 26 30 International Ultraviolet NASA & January September Explorer (IUE) SERC 1978 1996 Korea Advanced Institute 27 of Science and Technology KARI September Satellite 4 (Kaistsat 4) 2003 7 January OAO-2 NASA December 1973 1968 20 Swift Gamma Ray Burst NASA November Explorer 2004 Tel Aviv University Israeli Space Ultraviolet Explorer TBA Agency (TAUVEX)

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[edit] Visible
Further information: Visible-light astronomy The oldest form of astronomy, optical or visible-light astronomy extends from approximately 400 to 700 nm.[114] Positioning an optical telescope in space means that the telescope does not see any atmospheric effects (see astronomical seeing), providing higher resolution images. Optical telescopes are used to look at stars, galaxies, planetary nebulae and protoplanetary disks, amongst many other things.[115]

Artist's impression of Hipparcos

The Hubble Space Telescope

The Kepler Spacecraft Mission

Artist's impression of the SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory Name Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope Astrosat COROT Dark Energy Space Telescope Gaia mission Hipparcos Hubble Space Telescope Kepler Mission MOST Space Agency Space Telescope Science Institute ISRO Launch Terminated Date 2025 Location Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point Earth orbit (650 km) Earth orbit (872 884 km) Ref(s)

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2011 27 CNES & December ESA 2006 NASA & TBA DOE ESA ESA NASA NASA CSA 2012 8 August 1989 24 April 1990 6 March 2009 30 June

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Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point Earth orbit (223 March 1993 35,632 km) Earth orbit (586.47 610.44 km) Earth-trailing heliocentric orbit Earth orbit (819

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2003 SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer Terrestrial Planet Finder NASA NASA NASA 2015 20 November 2004 TBA

832 km) Earth orbit (585 604 km)

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[26][27]

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[edit] Infrared
Further information: Infrared astronomy Infrared light is of lower energy than visible light, hence is emitted by cooler objects. As such, the following can be viewed in the infrared: cool stars (including brown dwarves), nebulae, and redshifted galaxies.[131]

Artist's impression of the Herschel Space Observatory

Artist's impression of IRAS

Artist's impression of the James Webb Space Telescope

The Spitzer Space Telescope Name AKARI Darwin Mission Euclid Herschel Space Observatory IRAS Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) Infrared Telescope in Space James Webb Space Telescope Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) Spitzer Space Telescope Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) Terrestrial Planet Finder Wide-field Infrared Explorer (WIRE) Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) Space Agency Launch Terminated Location Date February Earth orbit (586.47 JAXA 21, 2006 610.44 km) Sun-Earth L2 ESA 2015 Lagrange point 2017 Sun-Earth L2 ESA (planned) Lagrange point ESA & 14 May Sun-Earth L2 [134] NASA 2009 Lagrange point 25 21 Earth orbit (889 NASA January November 903 km) 1983 1983 17 16 May Earth orbit (1000 ESA November 1998 70500 km) 1995 ISAS & 18 March 25 April Earth orbit (486 km) NASDA 1995 1995 Sun-Earth L2 NASA 2014 Lagrange point 24 April 26 February USN Earth orbit (900 km) 1996 1997 25 August Solar orbit (0.98 NASA 2003 1.02 AU) 6 Earth orbit (638 NASA December 651 km) 1998 NASA TBA 5 March NASA no obs 1999 14 NASA December Feb 2011 Earth orbit (500 km) 2009 Ref(s)
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Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)

NASA & DOE

2020

Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point

[154][155]

[edit] Microwave
Further information: Radio astronomy At microwave frequencies, photons are plentiful, but they have very low energy so lots of them need to be collected. At these frequencies, the Cosmic Microwave Background can be measured, as well as point sources and the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, as well as synchrotron radiation and Bremsstrahlung from our own galaxy.

Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)

Artist's impression of Planck

Artist's impression of WMAP Name Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) Odin Planck Launch Terminated Location Date 18 23 NASA November December Earth orbit (900 km) 1989 1993 Swedish 20 Space February Earth orbit (622 km) Corporation 2001 ESA 14 May Sun-Earth L2 Space Agency Ref(s)
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WMAP

NASA

2009 30 June 2001

Lagrange point Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point

[162]

[edit] Radio
Further information: Radio astronomy and Very Long Baseline Interferometry As the atmosphere is transparent for radio waves, radio telescopes in space are of most use for Very Long Baseline Interferometry; doing simultaneous observations of a source with both a satellite and a ground-based telescope and by correlating their signals to simulate a radio telescope the size of the separation between the two telescopes. Observations can be of supernova remnants, masers, gravitational lenses, starburst galaxies, and many other things. Name Highly Advanced Laboratory for Communications and Astronomy (HALCA, or VSOP) RadioAstron VSOP-2 Space Agency Launch Terminated Date 12 30 February November 1997 2005 May 2011 2012 Location Ref(s)

ISAS

Earth orbit (560 21,400 km) Earth orbit (10,000 390,000 km)

[163][164][165]

ASC LPI JAXA

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[edit] Particle detection

Spacecraft and space-based modules that do particle detection, looking for cosmic rays and electrons. These can be emitted by the sun (Solar Energetic Particles), our galaxy (Galactic cosmic rays) and extragalactic sources (Extragalactic cosmic rays). There are also Ultra-highenergy cosmic rays from active galactic nuclei. Name 3rd High Energy Astrophysics Observatory (HEAO 3) Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 01 (AMS01) Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 02 (AMS02) Space Agency NASA Launch Terminated Location Date 20 29 May Earth orbit (486.4 September 1981 504.9 km) 1979 2 June 1998 16 May 2011 12 June 1998 Earth orbit (296 km) Ref(s)
[2][3][3]

NASA

[169]

NASA

Earth orbit (353 km)

[170]

Astromag Free-Flyer Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA)

NASA ISA, INFN, RSA, DLR & SNSB

1 January 2005 15 May 2006

Earth orbit (500 km) Earth orbit (350 610 km)

[171][172]

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[edit] Gravitational waves

A proposed new type of telescope is one that detects gravitational waves; ripples in space-time generated by colliding neutron stars and black holes.

Artist's impression of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna Name Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Space Agency NASA Launch Terminated Date 2018 Location Solar orbit (approx. 1 AU; trailing Earth) Ref(s)
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