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Virginia Tech

Astronomers and the Hubble space telescope: an historical analysis

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

In this thesis I describe a period in the Hubble Space Telescope's history during which a relatively small number of astronomers worked to encourage their colleagues to support the telescope project. I analyze astronomers' behavior in terms of the various problems which they faced. I argue that astronomical community came to support the project in part because the telescope's advocates succeeded in separating technological issues from economic ones. I also suggest that separating these two kinds of issues may have contributed to the circumstances which led to the telescope's well-publicized defects.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Science and Technology Studies
Department dc:contributor.department
Science and Technology Studies
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1992

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Johnston, Peter J.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Barker, Peter
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Fuller, Steven W.
  • Hirsh, Richard F.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-01312009-063039
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/40825

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Johnston, Peter J.. Astronomers and the Hubble space telescope: an historical analysis. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/40825