Hubble Space Telescope Facts and Issues

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, was expected to revolutionize astronomy with its clear view of the cosmos. However, initial images were blurry due to a flaw in the primary mirror, damaging NASA's credibility. A repair mission in 1993 successfully addressed the issue, involving complex procedures like replacing solar panels. The mission's success restored Hubble's functionality and NASA's reputation.

What was the primary goal of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• To explore the surface of Mars

• To observe the cosmos without Earth's atmospheric interference

• To study the ocean depths

• To monitor weather patterns on Earth

What was the significance of the Hubble Space Telescope's position in orbit?

• It was beyond the Moon

• It was in a geostationary orbit

• It was closer to the Sun

• It was above Earth's atmosphere

What was the cost of the Hubble Space Telescope?

• $3 billion

• $2 billion

• $1.5 billion

• $500 million

What was the initial problem faced by the Hubble Space Telescope after its deployment?

• It failed to launch

• Its images were foggy and blurry

• It ran out of power

• It lost communication with Earth

What was discovered to be the cause of the Hubble's image issues?

• A communication error

• A power failure

• A problem with the primary mirror

• A software glitch

How did the public perceive NASA after the initial failure of the Hubble?

• NASA's credibility was enhanced

• NASA was indifferent to the issue

• NASA was praised for its quick response

• NASA's credibility was in tatters

What was the solution proposed to fix the Hubble's optical problem?

• Bring it back to Earth

• Repair the optics in orbit

• Launch a new telescope

• Replace the entire telescope

During the repair mission, what unexpected issue did the crew encounter with the solar arrays?

• They were not receiving sunlight

• They were too heavy to move

• One was bent and wouldn't retract

• They were missing

What was the primary task of the crew during the repair mission?

• To paint the telescope

• To upgrade the communication system

• To replace the damaged solar panels

• To install new cameras

What was the reaction of the crew when they saw the solar array flapping like a bird?

• They were alarmed

• They were amused

• They ignored it

• They were confused