Hubble at 35 Years: Lessons from NASA’s Flagship Telescope

Hubble at 35 Years
Lessons Learned in Scientific Discovery and NASA Flagship Mission Operations
October 16–17, 2025
James Webb Auditorium, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Hubble at 35 Years celebrates one of the most iconic space observatories in history. After 35 years of operations, the Hubble Space Telescope continues to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts. This symposium brings together experts to reflect on Hubble’s technical, scientific, and cultural impact—while also applying its lessons to upcoming NASA missions.

The telescope’s early challenges, including its flawed mirror and the daring space shuttle repair missions, provide powerful examples of problem-solving and teamwork. Despite setbacks, Hubble went on to deliver groundbreaking discoveries—from measuring the expansion of the universe to capturing stunning images of deep space. These achievements made it a symbol of American ingenuity and perseverance.

By analyzing the mission’s history, participants will explore how to improve future mission planning, especially for programs like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Speakers will also consider broader forces—such as public support, collaboration across agencies, and private sector innovation—that influenced Hubble’s success.

This event is more than a celebration. It is a roadmap. By honoring the past, Hubble at 35 Years aims to guide NASA’s future in scientific discovery and large-scale mission management.