spaceHubble

SpaceHubble is a space-based astronomical observatory conceived as a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, designed to provide high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy across optical and near-infrared wavelengths. It aims to extend time-domain astronomy and deep-field surveys with improved stability, sensitivity, and calibration, enabling studies of distant galaxies, star formation, and exoplanet atmospheres.

The project was proposed by the International Space Council in 2022 and is being developed by a multinational consortium of space agencies, universities, and aerospace contractors under the ISC Space Observatory Program. The collaboration emphasizes shared instrument technology, data infrastructure, and operations expertise, with plans for open data access following an initial proprietary period.

SpaceHubble features a segmented primary mirror with about a 3.5-meter aperture, designed for deployment in a Sun–Earth L2 orbit to maximize thermal stability and minimize occultations. The focal-plane assembly includes three primary instruments: a Wide-Field Optical Camera for broad surveys, a Near-Infrared Camera and Spectrograph for deep imaging and spectroscopy, and an Ultraviolet Imaging/Spectroscopy instrument for hot stars and intergalactic medium studies. Collectively, the instruments cover roughly 0.1 to 2.5 micrometers and are optimized for precise photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy.

Science goals encompass probing early galaxy formation, mapping dark matter through gravitational lensing, charting star formation in nearby galaxies, and characterizing the atmospheres of temperate exoplanets via transit spectroscopy. The mission also aims to complement other observatories by providing wide-field context and long-baseline monitoring.

As of the latest updates, SpaceHubble is in design validation and technology development, with a planned launch window in the late 2020s and international collaboration across multiple space agencies. Data from the mission is expected to be publicly available after an initial proprietary period.