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| Paper: |
From Failure to Symbol of Astronomical Discovery: The Inspiring
Story of the Hubble Space Telescope |
| Volume: |
441, The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena VI |
| Page: |
443 |
| Authors: |
Nota, A. |
| Abstract: |
Hubble was launched in 1990, with great expectations of
scientific breakthroughs: determining the distance scale of the
universe, detecting planets around stars other than the Sun. The
enthusiasm that accompanied a very successful launch was quickly
dampened by the realization that something was seriously wrong with
the telescope. While the pictures were clearer than those of
ground-based telescopes, they were not the pristine images
promised. Hubble's mirror had a flaw. It was affected by
“spherical aberration”. Hubble's images were permanently out
of focus.
This is where the inspiring part of the story starts: scientists and
engineers, in a coordinated effort across continents, pulled together
to design the solution. The Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial
Replacement (COSTAR) was installed three years later by a brave crew
of astronauts who showed to the world that performing complex tasks in
space is possible, and paved the way to the construction of the
International Space Station. The first images from Hubble with
the new optics were superb. The telescope was all that had been
promised and more, and changed the way we think of the universe.
Designed to be repaired in space, Hubble has been refurbished
four additional times. Every time, critical subsystems such as gyros
and batteries are replaced, and its scientific instrument complement
is upgraded. The last mission to Hubble (SM4) has been
successfully completed in May 2009. Two new instruments have been
installed, two existing instruments have been repaired in space, and
new scientific results are pouring in. Hubble will continue
pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of the universe for years to
come. But, more importantly, Hubble has showed that
partnership, ingenuity and determination can transform the most
devastating failure in a long lasting success. |
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