Exploring Space With The Hubble Telescope

The Hubble Telescope literally changed the way we see the world. This amazing technology has allowed everyone from Nasa's most advanced scientists to people with a devout interest in amateur astronomy to explore the universe and beyond. As successful as the Hubble mission has been, it can't last forever.

Eventually, atmospheric conditions and general wear and tear will render Hubble unusable. However, scientists and astronauts are taking part in amazing space missions to perform maintenance on Hubble and extend the telescope's life. In this article, we'll look at how the legendary Space Shuttle Atlantis is playing a role in keeping Hubble in the sky.

"It's an unbelievably beautiful sight," astronaut John Grunsfeld said on June 30th, 2009 as the Space Shuttle Atlantis began its five day mission to refurbish the Hubble Telescope with new instruments. Surprisingly, the Hubble's exterior was in good shape despite years of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and space debris.

In addition to repairs, the Hubble was fitted with a new computer and an upgraded camera designed to capture light that may have been emitted as far back as 500 million years after the Big Bang. Scientists hope that this mission could extend Hubble's life by approximately five years.

The Hubble Telescope has fascinated fans of amateur astronomy and Nasa scientists alike. Thanks to the efforts of the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Hubble should be able to continue to collect data from space until the year 2014. For mankind, this means an extended view of existence beyond what we've always known.

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