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NOVA: Invisible Universe Revealed

The Space Shuttle Atlantis moves away from Hubble after the telescope’s release on May 19, 2009 concluded Servicing Mission 4. The Soft Capture Mechanism, a ring that a future robotic mission can grapple in order to de-orbit the telescope, is visible in the center.
Courtesy of NASA
The Space Shuttle Atlantis moves away from Hubble after the telescope’s release on May 19, 2009 concluded Servicing Mission 4. The Soft Capture Mechanism, a ring that a future robotic mission can grapple in order to de-orbit the telescope, is visible in the center.

Airs Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at 9 p.m. & Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. on KPBS TV

NASA launched one of the most ambitious experiments in the history of astronomy: the Hubble Space Telescope.

In honor of Hubble’s landmark anniversary, NOVA tells the remarkable story of the telescope that forever changed our understanding of the cosmos and our place in it.

But amazingly, when the telescope first sent images back to earth, it seemed that the entire project was a massive failure; a one-millimeter engineering blunder had turned the billion-dollar telescope into an object of ridicule.

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It fell to five heroic astronauts in a daring mission to return Hubble to the cutting edge of science.

NOVA hears from the scientists and engineers on the front line who tell the amazing Hubble story as never before.

This single telescope has helped astronomers pinpoint the age of the universe, revealed the birthplace of stars and planets, advanced our understanding of dark energy and cosmic expansion, and uncovered black holes lurking at the heart of galaxies.

For more than a generation, Hubble’s stunning images have brought the beauty of the heavens to millions, revealing a cosmos richer and more wondrous than we ever imagined.

Join NOVA for the story of this magnificent machine and its astonishing discoveries.

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Invisible Universe Revealed Preview

"Follow the historic rescue of Hubble—the space telescope that unveiled the cosmos. Airing April 22

Saving Hubble: Expert Interview

Astronauts John Grunsfeld and Mike Massimino answered selected questions about the successful mission they and their team conducted in May 2009 to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope.

Catalogue Of The Cosmos

See amazing space telescope images of comets, asteroids, stars, galaxies, nebulas, quasars, and other cosmic wonders in this catalogue of the cosmos.

WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE:

This full episode is available for streaming on demand.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

NOVA is on Facebook, and you can follow @novapbs on Twitter.

Hubble Space Telescope is on Facebook, Google +, YouTube, and you can follow @NASA_Hubble on Twitter.

Get Ready to Celebrate 25 years of Hubble!