The space telescope program

The 2.4-m Space Telescope is well into its development phase and is planned for launch in early 1985. The major components of the optical telescope portion are completed and the supporting systems are being designed and acquired. The five scientific instruments, including the ESA provided Faint Object Camera, are on schedule for delivery by the summer of 1983. After successful completion of the optical components, the greatest design challenge has been the pointing and control system. The original design goals of near diffraction limited performance in the visible and near ultraviolet remain as do the other goals of versatility and long life.