This list of space telescopes (astronomical space observatories) is grouped by major frequency ranges: gamma ray, x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave and radio. Telescopes that work in multiple frequency bands are included in all of the appropriate sections. Space telescopes that collect particles, such as cosmic ray nuclei and/or electrons, as well as instruments that aim to detect gravitational waves, are also listed. Missions that look solely within our solar system, including the Earth, other planets within our system and our Sun, are excluded; see List of Solar System probes for these.
Two values are provided for the dimensions of the initial orbit. For telescopes in Earth orbit, the min and max altitude are given in kilometers. For telescopes in solar orbit, the minimum distance (periapsis) and the maximum distance (apoapsis) between the telescope and the center of mass of the sun are given in astronomical units (AU).
Rows with a dark backdrop are terminated missions.
Read more about List Of Space Telescopes: Gamma Ray, X-ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared and Submillimetre, Microwave, Radio, Particle Detection, Gravitational Waves, To Be Launched
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