Overview
- Hubble's 35th anniversary is commemorated with four new images showcasing Mars, the Rosette Nebula, planetary nebula NGC 2899, and spiral galaxy NGC 5335.
- Launched on April 24, 1990, Hubble has conducted 1.7 million observations, contributing to 22,000 scientific papers and advancing our understanding of the universe.
- Astronaut-led servicing missions between 1993 and 2009 corrected early flaws and upgraded instruments, extending Hubble's operational life far beyond expectations.
- Breakthroughs include unveiling early galaxies through deep field images, discovering dark energy, and studying exoplanet atmospheres, reshaping modern astronomy.
- NASA plans to build on Hubble's legacy with the Habitable Worlds Observatory, set for the 2040s, featuring serviceable designs and advanced capabilities.