HET's large collecting area allows acquisition of many spectra quickly, e.g., surveys. The telescope is tailored to spectroscopy.
Spectroscopy allows study of temperature, velocity, rotation, and composition.
HET's modest image quality goals are well matched to the median site seeing. HET's design is consistent with a survey mission not requiring exceptional conditions. The goal is to maximize science output for minimal cost in areas where HET can compete. Target classes are uniformly distributed around the sky. Sky surface densities of targets are a few per square degree or per square arcminute.