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The Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope was named after the astronomer Edwin Hubble, who, as a boy, had a paper route.

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on the Space Shuttle on April 24, 1990. It is a very special telescope which orbits far above the Earth. Hubble allows us to see objects more clearly because it is above the clouds in Earth's atmosphere. These clouds block the view of the Earth-based telescopes which scientists have used for many years. Hubble is not only a powerful telescope, but it also carries cameras which allow scientists on Earth to see objects billions of light-years away. Hubble runs on solar power. Scientists in Greenbelt, Maryland control it using radio signals. The Hubble Space Telescope was built to last for at least 15 years. Astronauts from the Space Shuttle make visits to Hubble so they can give it a "check-up". Everyone wants to keep Hubble in perfect working condition so it will continue to send back amazing pictures to us here on Earth.

The Hubble Space Telescope

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A Question

Whose job is it to make sure Hubble is always in perfect working order?

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Did you know?
The Answer
Show me the Level 2 version of this page.

The StarChild site is a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), within the Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at NASA/ GSFC.

StarChild Authors: The StarChild Team
StarChild Graphics & Music: Acknowledgments
StarChild Project Leader: Dr. Laura A. Whitlock
Curator: J.D. Myers
Responsible NASA Official: Amber Straughn