Hubble Space Telescope Marks 35 Years of Groundbreaking Discoveries

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990 as a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency, has remained at the forefront of astronomical discovery for 35 years, capturing landmark images and enabling breakthroughs such as the identification of supermassive black holes and the study of dark energy. Its ongoing success, despite early technical setbacks, highlights the value of sustained investment in space science and technology. Space science more broadly has inspired generations of innovators, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills with applications beyond astronomy, from engineering to addressing complex global challenges. As space becomes increasingly accessible and vital to economic and national security—supporting infrastructure from agriculture to digital finance—its domain has also become congested and contested, underscoring the need for responsible management and defense. The growing number of tracked objects and heightened international activity highlight both the opportunities and risks of humanity’s expanding presence in space.