Which space shuttle deployed the Hubble Space Telescope?

The Space Shuttle Discovery deployed the Hubble Space Telescope. During mission STS-31, Discovery released Hubble into low Earth orbit on April 25, 1990, beginning the observatory’s long scientific career.

Discovery launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 24, 1990, with a five-person crew commanded by Loren Shriver. The shuttle flew higher than usual so Hubble could be placed into an orbit suitable for long-term observations above most of Earth’s atmosphere. The mission was Discovery’s tenth shuttle flight.

A common mix-up is confusing the deployment mission with later servicing flights. Discovery deployed Hubble, while Endeavour, Columbia, and Atlantis later carried astronauts who repaired or upgraded it. Discovery also returned for Servicing Mission 3A in 1999, but its original and most important Hubble role was the 1990 deployment.