The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories and a world-class astronomical research center. Established in 1981, the Institute has developed and executed the science program for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its launch in 1990. Today, STScI is developing new technologies for the science and flight operations center for NASA’s next Great Observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in 2018. STScI is also developing major science operations for NASA’s Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), set to launch in the mid 2020s, and studying Advanced Space Telescope Concepts for future large missions in the 2030s and beyond.
Science planning and operations, including: peer-reviewed science program selection; observatory planning and scheduling; science instrument commanding; instrument trending, characterization, and calibration; high-level science products and analysis tools; archiving and distribution of science data; observer support and documentation; observing and research grant administration; and champion for Hubble Science.
Also see hubblesite.org
Webb will be able to peer 100 times deeper than Hubble into heavily obscured star-forming regions and distant regions of the Universe. The Institute will perform science planning and operations for the James Webb Space Telescope, including flight operations, in addition to the same activities we support for Hubble.
Data Management Center for the Kepler Mission, and Science Archive for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.
Kepler TESS
WFIRST will have 100 times the field of view of Hubble, with Hubble’s clarity and light-gathering power. We will host the science archive for the Wide Field Infrared Telescope, and perform science operations and public outreach for its Wide-Field Instrument.
Science and new technologies of large, segmented optics and imaging of earth-like planets by future flagship observatories.
Advanced Technology Large-Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST)
AURA Report: From Cosmic Birth to Living Earths
Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR)
Research
World-class staff performing cutting-edge astronomical research
Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST)
Data and science products for over 20 missions
Russell B. Makidon Optics Laboratory
State-of-the-art facility that includes the JWST Optical Simulation Testbed (JOST) and the High-Contrast Imager for Complex Aperture Telescopes (HiCAT)
Communications and Public Outreach
Premier science communications center
The Institute enables cutting-edge research for thousands of astronomers across the world through the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST). Containing astronomical data for over 20 missions including Hubble, Kepler, SWIFT, Pan-Starrs, GALEX, FUSE, IUE (and TESS, JWST, and WFIRST in the future), MAST responds to millions of searches per month and distributes tens of terabytes of science data products to the community. Over 1000 research papers are published each year using MAST data.
A core part of STScI is one of the premier science communication centers in the world, the Office of Communications and Public Outreach (OPO). Staffed with leading science writers; graphics designers; online and social media experts; and educators, OPO brings astronomical discovery from STScI’s missions to the world through interactive, engaging communication channels.
In addition to approximately 100 PhD scientists, the Institute’s diverse staff also includes software engineers, telescope operators, data analysts, information technology professionals, administrative and business support, and more. Working together, STScI's staff strive to maximize the science productivity of NASA’s flagship telescopes.
STScI is located on the campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore MD. The Institute is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).