The Hubble Space Telescope has a long and successful life of fruitful discoveries in the astronomy community. Thanks to NASA, Hubble will have the chance to continue its valuable observations for the next five years.
In a press release made on June 23rd, NASA has extended Hubble’s operations contract until 2021. The final shuttle repair mission in 2009 ensured that the craft could last the duration of the extension.
As the James Webb Space Telescope will be launched into orbit in 2018, it will build on Hubble’s incredible legacy by making magnificent observations and unlocking some of the universe’s greatest mysteries.
Here is a timeline of Hubble’s journey from the first ideas of a space telescope to present day. With the newest extension, we’ll continue to have a powerful eye in the sky, unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos to humanity.
