Launch of the Hubble Space Telescope

On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-31 mission. This event marked a significant milestone in the field of astronomy and space exploration, providing unprecedented views of the universe and contributing to numerous scientific discoveries.

Background

The concept of a space-based telescope dates back to the 1940s, with astronomers recognizing the potential benefits of observing celestial objects without the distortion caused by Earth’s atmosphere. The Hubble Space Telescope, named after the renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble, was developed as a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Key Events Leading Up to the Launch

• 1977: The U.S. Congress approved funding for the Large Space Telescope project, which would later be named the Hubble Space Telescope.
• 1985: The telescope was completed and ready for launch, but delays, including the Challenger disaster in 1986, postponed its deployment.
• 1986-1990: Extensive testing and modifications were conducted to ensure the telescope’s readiness and reliability.

The Launch

• Date: April 24, 1990
• Space Shuttle: Discovery (STS-31 mission)
• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida

The launch was successful, and the Hubble Space Telescope was deployed into a low Earth orbit approximately 547 kilometers (about 340 miles) above the Earth’s surface.

Initial Challenges

Shortly after deployment, it was discovered that the telescope’s primary mirror had a spherical aberration due to a manufacturing error, which affected the clarity of the images. This issue was addressed in December 1993 during the STS-61 mission, when astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour installed corrective optics.

Impact and Legacy

Since its deployment, the Hubble Space Telescope has made numerous contributions to our understanding of the universe, including:

• Providing deep field images that reveal the structure and formation of galaxies.
• Contributing to the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe, leading to the concept of dark energy.
• Offering insights into the life cycles of stars and the formation of planetary systems.

The Hubble Space Telescope remains operational and continues to be a vital tool for astronomers worldwide, significantly enhancing our knowledge of the cosmos. Its success has paved the way for future space telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, which aims to build upon Hubble’s legacy.

Conclusion

The launch of the Hubble Space Telescope on April 24, 1990, represents a landmark achievement in space exploration and scientific research. Its enduring contributions to astronomy underscore the importance of international collaboration and technological innovation in expanding our understanding of the universe.