The Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph: Post-COSTAR Characteristics

We review changes to the characteristics of the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) which resulted from the installation of the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) on the Hubble Space Telescope. The introduction of two new optical elements into the light path altered the spectral distribution of the light, decreasing the amount of light striking the instrument by about 30% at wavelengths greater than 1200 Å and effectively eliminated all radiation at wavelengths less than 1130 Å. However, at the longer wavelengths the improved focus offset this loss when the Large Science Aperture (LSA) was used and increased the overall throughput of the Small Science Aperture (SSA) by a factor of 2. The improved focus also enhanced the spectral resolution of LSA observations and improved the ability of the instrument to observe in crowded fields.