Testing the Hubble Space Telescope, 1980s
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Testing the Hubble Space Telescope, 1980s
Testing the Hubble Space Telescope, 1980s. The telescope is shown being installed in an acoustic test cell. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), was designed to see seven times further into space than had been possible before, without the distortion caused by the earths atmosphere. HST is a reflecting telescope and its main mirror has a diameter of 2 1/2 meters. Work began in 1977 and HST was finally launched by Space Shuttle Discovery on 24 April 1990. Problems with its giant mirror meant that it did not initially work as well as expected. Corrective optics were installed in 1993, greatly improving the telescopes performance, enabling it to view the Universe in unprecedented detail
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14863151
© NASA/Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
1980s Eighties Experiment Exploration Hubble Space Telescope Innovation Mirror Nasa Optical Orbit Oxford Science Archive Reflecting Telescope Scientist Space Telescope
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of space exploration - the testing of the Hubble Space Telescope in the 1980s. In this image, we witness an intricate installation process as the telescope is carefully placed inside an acoustic test cell. The Hubble Space Telescope was a groundbreaking innovation designed to overcome atmospheric distortion and observe celestial objects with unprecedented clarity. With its impressive reflecting telescope and a main mirror measuring 2 1/2 meters in diameter, the HST promised to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. However, upon its launch by Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24,1990, it faced initial setbacks due to problems with its giant mirror. Nonetheless, scientists persevered and installed corrective optics in 1993, significantly enhancing its performance. The Hubble Space Telescope has since become synonymous with cutting-edge scientific discovery. Its ability to capture images of distant galaxies and nebulae has provided us with unparalleled insights into our vast cosmos. This remarkable technological feat represents humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and our unyielding curiosity about what lies beyond Earth's boundaries. As we gaze at this photograph from decades ago, we are reminded of the dedication and ingenuity required for such ambitious endeavors. It serves as a testament to human achievement in pushing boundaries through science and technology while inspiring future generations to continue exploring new frontiers that lie within reach among those shimmering stars above us.
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