User manual Hubble Space Telescope
Servicing an observatory
1 Blasting off
In order to service Hubble, NASA launched a Space Shuttle via a pair of solid rocket boosters and an external tank. This contained all the replacement parts and a mechanical arm.
2 Heading for low-Earth orbit
The Space Shuttle, with a team of astronauts on board, broke away from its boosters as it powered towards a low-Earth orbit with the components to service Hubble.
3 Operating the arm
Controlled via Mission Control and monitored by the astronauts themselves, NASA used the Canadarm, or Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), to begin removing faulty components.