TRACKER GUIDE & MISSION EXPLAINER
Hubble Space Telescope Tracker: Orbit, History and Live Map Guide
The Hubble Space Telescope tracker follows one of the most productive observatories ever placed in orbit. The map above calculates Hubble's present geographic ground position and orbit from public orbital elements. It does not show the telescope's observing target or provide a live camera feed.
Hubble operates above most of Earth's atmosphere, giving it stable, sharp views across ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Its orbit is still close enough to Earth to be represented with the same SGP4 method used for other Earth satellites.
Launch and mission history
Hubble launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-31 mission on April 24, 1990 and was deployed into low Earth orbit. Early images revealed a flaw in the primary mirror, but astronauts installed corrective optics during the first servicing mission in 1993. Later servicing missions upgraded instruments, computers, gyroscopes and power systems.
The observatory has contributed to measurements of the expansion of the universe, studies of galaxy evolution, star formation, black holes, planetary atmospheres and many other fields. Its long life also demonstrates the scientific value of a serviceable observatory and a carefully maintained archive.
How this Hubble tracker works
A recent element set defines Hubble's orbit at a known epoch. SGP4 propagates that state to the current time, and the result is transformed into map coordinates. The values update in the browser to create a smooth live view, but the underlying accuracy is limited by the age and quality of the orbit data.
Hubble completes an orbit in roughly 95 minutes and travels at about 27,000 kilometres per hour. Its altitude changes gradually, so the live value should be preferred over a memorised figure. The orbit line shows where the telescope is calculated to travel over Earth, not where its camera is pointing in deep space.
How to read and use the page
- Use latitude and longitude to locate the point beneath Hubble.
- Compare altitude and speed with the ISS to see two different low Earth orbits.
- Set your location to calculate azimuth, elevation and range.
- Check the pass list for geometric opportunities above your horizon.
- Remember that the telescope's science observations are not represented by the map.
Hubble is much smaller and generally harder to see than the ISS. Even when a geometric pass is calculated, naked-eye visibility may be poor. Experienced observers sometimes use optical equipment and carefully prepared predictions, but the tracker is not a substitute for a specialised observing plan.
What students can learn
The page connects astronomy and orbital mechanics. Hubble looks outward at distant objects, yet the telescope itself is an artificial satellite governed by the same gravity and atmospheric drag that affect other low-orbit spacecraft. Students can investigate why an observatory above the atmosphere gains clearer access to ultraviolet light and avoids weather while still passing through Earth's shadow.
Comparing the moving ground track with Hubble image releases also teaches an important distinction: the spacecraft's location does not tell you which celestial object it is observing. Attitude, pointing schedules and orbital position are separate parts of mission operations.
Accuracy and scope
This independent tracker does not communicate with Hubble and does not report instrument or gyroscope status. Orbit estimates can differ after manoeuvres or when elements are old. NASA's Hubble mission pages remain the authoritative source for mission status, discoveries and official imagery.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a live video from Hubble?
No. The page tracks the telescope's calculated orbit. Hubble observations are scheduled, recorded and released through official science archives.
Why is Hubble in low Earth orbit?
Low Earth orbit made deployment and astronaut servicing possible and places the telescope above most of the atmosphere while keeping communications practical.
Can Hubble photograph Earth?
Hubble is designed for astronomical observations and its operational constraints are not represented here. This tracker only shows orbital position.
Can I see Hubble from the ground?
Some favourable passes may be observable with appropriate conditions and equipment, but the page's geometric pass list does not guarantee naked-eye visibility.
Sources and further reading
Educational-use note: SpaceTracker.live is an independent educational website and is not an official mission-control service. Positions, paths, distances and pass predictions are computed from third-party orbital elements or ephemerides. They may be delayed or approximate and must not be used for navigation, collision avoidance or safety-critical decisions.
Last reviewed: August 21, 2026