Fixing Hubble

On December 2, 1993, NASA embarked on one of the most challenging and significant missions in the history of space exploration – the STS-61 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. This mission was critically important as it aimed to repair the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), which, since its launch in 1990, had been plagued with issues due to a flaw in its main mirror.

The Endeavour’s mission was a high-stakes endeavor that marked the first time a space telescope would be serviced in orbit. The primary objective was to correct the spherical aberration in Hubble’s main mirror, a defect that caused blurred images and significantly hampered the telescope’s scientific potential.

Commanded by Richard O. Covey and piloted by Kenneth D. Bowersox, the seven-member crew of STS-61 included Kathryn C. Thornton, Claude Nicollier of the European Space Agency, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Story Musgrave, and Thomas D. Akers. Each member played a vital role in the mission’s success, bringing a diverse set of skills and expertise to the table.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the STS-61 mission was the series of five spacewalks, a record at the time. These extravehicular activities were central to the mission’s success. The astronauts installed new instruments, including the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), which replaced Hubble’s original camera. However, the pivotal task was the installation of the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR), designed to correct the mirror’s aberration.

In addition to these major upgrades, the crew performed several other critical tasks. They replaced the telescope’s solar arrays, gyroscopes, and other essential components, significantly enhancing Hubble’s operational capabilities and extending its operational lifespan.

The success of the STS-61 mission was a landmark achievement for NASA. It demonstrated the potential of in-orbit satellite servicing and set a new precedent for future space missions. The repairs and upgrades carried out by the Endeavour crew not only salvaged the Hubble Space Telescope but also restored public faith in NASA’s Space Shuttle program.

STS-61 stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. It showcased the incredible potential of combining human spaceflight and robotic assistance to perform complex operations in space. The mission’s success paved the way for future endeavours and has left a lasting legacy in the field of space exploration.