15 Years of Hubble Space Telescope Science Operations

*The actual practice of science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope has evolved considerably from the original, pre-launch expectations. As with many science missions, there were major adjustments to the operations concept in the first few years after launch, as the users in the astronomy community, the operators at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) and NASA adjusted to the reality of running a great observatory in lowearth orbit. Unlike most other science missions, Hubble has been routinely serviced. This has led to major improvements in its scientific capabilities, new and improved on-board support systems, and an extended observatory lifetime. The STScI has modified our Hubble science operations processes and support systems, often gradually but occasionally in a sudden manner, to take advantage of these developments and improvements. Our experiences in adapting our operational processes to the utilization of the telescope by the astronomy community and to the addition of major new scientific capabilities will be described. We will also review our experiences in adjusting to major technology shifts over this period in the supporting systems on-board the spacecraft and on the ground. Based on these experiences we will develop general recommendations for space-based science operations of astronomical facilities, in low-earth orbit and elsewhere.