Enhancing Hubble's Vision: The Servicing Missions

Drawing upon first-hand interviews from those closely involved with the Hubble project over thirty years, this is the story of the HST servicing missions, how they were developed, and what challenges each crew had to overcome. The success of the Hubble Space Telescope would have been impossible without the key role played by the servicing missions that kept it operational.

An enormously complex undertaking, HST could have failed shortly after entering orbit, but thanks to the skills of scientists and engineers on the ground and the daring talents of the astronauts sent to service the telescope, it lasted for decades. The resulting findings, including many some of the most breathtaking images of space ever taken, changed our view and understanding of the Universe. Five Space Shuttle missions visited the telescope to upgrade and service the instruments and systems in that time, and their crucial work ensured that the Hubble Space Telescope remains a lasting legacy of the Space Shuttle program.

Enhancing Hubble’s Vision is also a story of teamwork and an international partnership, a perfect blend of human and robotic space exploration that will inspire all ages.