Part of our History of NASA series, add this Hubble Space Telescope coin to your collection today!
Presented in .999 silver plating on a 50mm sized coin to accentuate the full-colour detail, this coin is sure to impress any fan of NASA and space travel.
The Hubble Space Telescope is a space-based observatory that was launched into orbit by NASA on April 24, 1990. The telescope was named after astronomer Edwin Hubble and is one of the largest and most versatile telescopes ever placed into orbit.
The Hubble Telescope has a primary mirror that is 2.4 meters in diameter and is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments that allow it to observe the universe across a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to near-infrared. It has made countless contributions to astronomy and astrophysics, including the discovery of new galaxies, the observation of black holes, and the measurement of the universe's expansion rate.
Despite some initial problems with the telescope's primary mirror, which was discovered to be flawed, a team of astronauts was able to service the Hubble Telescope in 1993, correcting the mirror's optics and installing new instruments. Since then, it has undergone several servicing missions to upgrade its scientific capabilities and extend its operational life.
The Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionised our understanding of the universe and has captured some of the most iconic and breathtaking images of space, inspiring millions of people around the world. It remains one of the most important tools for astronomers and continues to make groundbreaking discoveries to this day.