The 24/7 heartbeat behind humanity's premier space telescope

Space · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Maintaining a legendary orbital observatory requires more than just high-tech mirrors; it demands constant human vigilance. This update explores the coordination required to manage Hubble's final servicing mission.

The Space Operations Control Center (STOCC) serves as the nerve center for Hubble, providing continuous 24/7 monitoring of all systems and science observations throughout the year. During critical phases like the SM4 flight, specific teams—the Orbit Team and the Planning Team—collaborate with mission control in Houston to execute complex maneuvers.

This coordination ensures that every activity during the final shuttle servicing mission is synchronized perfectly between ground operations and orbital execution.

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