The Hubble Space Telescope has had a storied past. From its humble origins in the mind of Lyman Spitzer, to a technological marvel on the verge of collapse, and finally a scientific juggernaut in the best shape it has ever been in. It has affected us from our health care, our knowledge of the universe, to our cultural perception of the quest for discovery.

Letting some of the Hubble Heroes tell the story seems more appropriate. John Grunsfeld leads off with what is the Hubble story and its mission.

Jason Kalirai works at the Space Telescope Science Institute and he discusses the tremendous impact of Hubble on the scientific community.

Culture is the way we as a society understand big ideas and Amber Straughn give us an idea of just how big a deal the Hubble is.

Last and not least is the future. Alberto Conti talks about Hubble’s future when it will be joined by its successor the James Webb in 2018.