What factor governs the inherent, pre-calculated expiration date for space telescopes operating at Earth-Sun Lagrange points?
Answer
The finite amount of propellant carried for station-keeping.
Telescopes at L2 must use propulsion periodically to maintain their precise halo orbit; thus, their operational lifespan is directly limited by the amount of fuel they carry for these maneuvers.
#Videos
Space Telescopes Are In Danger - YouTube
Related Questions
What unique capability allowed the *Hubble Space Telescope* to overcome aging hardware issues?Why does a failure in a single, critical component often end the mission for a distant modern space telescope?What environmental hazard outside Earth’s magnetosphere specifically degrades electronics in space telescopes over time?What operating temperature is often necessary for telescopes like JWST that observe the infrared spectrum?What factor governs the inherent, pre-calculated expiration date for space telescopes operating at Earth-Sun Lagrange points?Why must a spacecraft orbiting the L2 point periodically fire small thrusters?What primary logistical hurdle is associated with launching space telescopes that are folded up like origami?What constant threat, even from tiny specks, poses a risk of damaging mirrors or sensors on space telescopes?What limits the size of the primary mirror for space telescopes, forcing engineering compromises?What trade-off is often accepted when choosing to place an observatory in space instead of on the ground?