Which NASA space telescope launched in 1990 and studies the universe from low Earth orbit?

The Hubble Space Telescope launched in 1990 and studies the universe from low Earth orbit.

NASA launched Hubble aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on April 24, 1990, during mission STS-31. Because it observes above most of Earth’s atmosphere, Hubble can obtain exceptionally sharp images in visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light. Its observations have transformed public understanding of galaxies, nebulae, star formation, and cosmic history.

A flaw in Hubble’s primary mirror initially caused blurry images. Astronauts corrected the problem during the STS-61 servicing mission in December 1993 by installing corrective optics and upgraded instruments. Later servicing missions replaced equipment, extending the telescope’s scientific life.

The James Webb Space Telescope launched in 2021 and operates near the Sun–Earth L2 point, not in low Earth orbit. Chandra is an X-ray observatory, while Spitzer specialized in infrared astronomy. Hubble’s long operational record comes from its design for astronaut servicing during the shuttle era.