Hubble Timeline

Follow Hubble's journey from an idea of a "Large Space Telescope" to its position as one of the most scientifically productive and beloved telescopes of all time. The timelines below offer an interactive selection of Hubble highlights.

Quick Facts

Since launch, Hubble has overcome its troubled beginnings to perform innumerable science observations that have revolutionized humanity’s understanding of the universe. From determining the age of the universe to observing dramatic changes on celestial bodies in our own solar system, Hubble has become one of humanity’s greatest scientific instruments.

The complete timeline below describes Hubble’s history from the first proposal of a space telescope by Lyman Spitzer in 1946, through the completion of Hubble’s five servicing missions in the 1990s and 2000s, and to many of the significant observations and discoveries Hubble has made during its years in orbit.

Full Timeline: Milestones

Hubble pioneers

Edwin Hubble sitting at a desk holding a galaxy image.

Astronomer for whom the telescope is named

Lyman Spitzer

Astronomer who first proposed a space-based observatory

Dr. Nancy Grace Roman

Astronomer who started NASA's space astronomy program

John Bahcall looks at the camera in front of a bookshelf. He wears a light gray shirt, red tie, and glasses.

Astrophysicist who worked tirelessly for the mission and its scientific design

John Grunsfeld - Astronaut and Former Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate

Astronaut that serviced the telescope on three missions

Focused Timeline: Hubble's Science Discoveries

MEET Hubble SCIENTISTS

Hubble Senior Project Scientist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman

Senior Project Scientist

Hubble Operations Project Scientist Dr. Kenneth Carpenter

Operations Project Scientist

Olivia Lupie

Instrument Systems Manager

John Grunsfeld - Astronaut and Former Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate

Astronaut that serviced the telescope on three missions

Headshot of Andy Ptak standing in front of Arp273 - The Rose Galaxies

Deputy Operations Project Scientist

Dr. Richard Barry

Observatory Project Scientist

Focused Timeline: Servicing Missions

Meet the Hubble Astronauts

John Grunsfeld - Astronaut and Former Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate

Mission Specialist

Photo of astronaut Scott Altman in his orange spacesuit. American flag is behind him.

Commander

Official astronaut portrait of Kathryn Thornton.

Mission Specialist

Photo of astronaut Megan McArthur in her orange spacesuit. American flag is behind her.

Mission Specialist

Official astronaut portrait of Claude Nicollier.

Mission Specialist

Hubble's Universe

Flip through some of Hubble's most iconic images taken during its three decades of operations.