Hubble

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a large, space-based observatory launched in 1990 through a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). It orbits Earth at an altitude of about 569 km, allowing it to capture high-resolution images across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, including ultraviolet, visible light, and near-infrared wavelengths. Hubble is named after astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble and is managed by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). Hubble's primary mission is to provide astronomers and scientists with valuable observational data to enhance our understanding of the universe. It operates continuously, observing cosmic phenomena around the clock. Equipped with a 2.4-meter primary mirror and five scientific instruments, Hubble delivers images and spectra that are unattainable from ground-based observatories. Its design allows for servicing missions by astronauts, ensuring it remains a vital tool for astronomical research and discovery. Hubble also engages the public through educational outreach and stunning imagery, inspiring interest in space science.