By SciTechDaily.com
April 29, 2023
3D animation revealing the Hubble Space Telescope over the Earth. Credit: ESA/Hubble (M. Kornmesser & & L. L. Christensen).
The Hubble Space Telescope just marked its 33rd year in orbit around the Earth with a remarkable gift for all of us– an awe-inspiring brand-new picture of a celestial nursery near us, called NGC 1333.
This age-defying telescope continues to peel back the layers of the universe, even after more than three years. This video provides a look into some of the clinical accomplishments that Hubble has supplied throughout its latest year in orbit.
April 24, 1990– The Hubble Space Telescope was released aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
December 2-13, 1993– The first servicing mission, referred to as SM1 (Servicing Mission 1), occurred. Astronauts performed spacewalks to install a new cam and restorative optics to repair the issue with Hubbles main mirror.
February 11-21, 1997– During the second servicing mission, SM2, astronauts improved and replaced clinical instruments Hubbles pointing system, amongst other upgrades.
December 19-27, 1999– The 3rd maintenance objective, SM3A, happened. This was initially prepared as one mission, but was split into two parts (SM3A and SM3B) after 3 of the 6 gyroscopes on the telescope failed. In SM3A, astronauts replaced all 6 gyroscopes and performed other equipment upgrades.
March 1-12, 2002– SM3B, the 2nd part of the third maintenance mission, took location. Astronauts set up a new electronic camera, enhanced Hubbles power control system, and carried out other upgrades.
May 11-24, 2009– The last and fourth maintenance mission, SM4, happened. Astronauts replaced all 6 batteries and gyroscopes, installed 2 new video cameras, and carried out other maintenance and upgrades, efficiently extending Hubbles life well into the 2020s.
April 24, 2020– Hubble celebrated its 30th anniversary in orbit.
April 24, 2023– Hubble marked its 33rd year in orbit by exposing a new image of the nearby star-forming area, NGC 1333.
Secret Hubble Space Telescope Milestones.