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Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch

NASA’s STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch: Objectives, Timeline & Spacecraft for UPSC

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
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NASA believes in sharing its scientific findings openly. The information from its satellites is used by people all over the world to watch over the environment, deal with disasters, and study our climate. By being open and sharing what it learns with everyone, NASA helps make sure science is fair and benefits people everywhere. In this detailed article, we will learn about the STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch mission which will travel to Earth (orbital flight), aiming to examine its operational features, onboard systems, and relevance for international collaboration.

  • STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch took off on April 24, 1990, beginning a mission that would expand the boundaries of human understanding.  
  • This initiatives main objective, to Deploy Hubble Space Telescope (HST), was carefully chosen to fill a critical gap in our current knowledge or capabilities, promising to yield valuable new insights.  
  • The people chosen for this Crewed satellite deployment flight received special training tailored to what the mission required.  
  • The powerful Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103) stood poised on the launchpad, a testament to human ambition and engineering. 
  • The mission began with a launch from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, Florida. 
  • From start to finish, the mission ran for 5 days, 1 hour, 16 minutes, 6 seconds. 
  • It was a project spearheaded by NASA, ESA (Hubble partner). 
  • Final status of the mission: Completed (Successful deployment, HST flaw found later). 
  • The cost of Hubble cost ~ $15 billion at launch was dedicated to NASA’s STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch, enhancing data collection and mission autonomy. 

STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch carries Hubble Space Telescope, IMAX cameras for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch relied on Shuttle deployment of large satellite to high orbit to achieve greater operational independence and efficiency in unstructured space settings. In this article, we’ve explored every phase of STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch—from its initial proposal to its mission completion which will give UPSC aspirants a complete perspective valuable for UPSC Mains GS Papers 2, 3, 4, and the Essay Paper.

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NASA STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch Space Mission Overview 

STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Earth (orbital flight)

Launch Date

April 24, 1990

Objective

Deploy Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

Mission Type

Crewed satellite deployment flight

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103)

Launch Site

Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, Florida

Mission Duration

5 days, 1 hour, 16 minutes, 6 seconds

Agencies Involved

NASA, ESA (Hubble partner)

Mission Status

Completed (Successful deployment, HST flaw found later)

Estimated Cost

Hubble cost ~ $15 billion at launch

Proposal Date

Hubble concept originated decades earlier

New Instruments/Payloads

Hubble Space Telescope, IMAX cameras

Key Technologies Used

Shuttle deployment of large satellite to high orbit

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

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STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch Space Mission Global Contributions

ESA (provided solar arrays, Faint Object Camera for HST) joined NASA on STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch, combining expertise to expand autonomous mission capabilities.

  • ESA contributed significantly to Hubble were integrated into STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch, enhancing the mission’s scientific capabilities and autonomous performance. 
  • Key contributors such as Lockheed (HST assembly), Perkin-Elmer (optics) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
  • HST data shared globally with astronomers ensured open access to mission findings, promoting collaborative research among international and commercial partners. 
  • The success of STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch marked a major shift in space policy by Major scientific instrument deployment; international collaboration, promoting broader cooperation in future missions. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

ESA (provided solar arrays, Faint Object Camera for HST)

Payload Contributions

ESA contributed significantly to Hubble

Commercial Involvement

Lockheed (HST assembly), Perkin-Elmer (optics)

Data Sharing Agreements

HST data shared globally with astronomers

Impact on Global Space Policy

Major scientific instrument deployment; international collaboration
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch Space Mission

STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch encountered critical challenges such as Achieving high deployment orbit; later discovery of mirror flaw, which were mitigated through a combination of adaptive engineering, mission planning, and real-time systems management.

  • A key risk during STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch was Complex deployment sequence, high altitude orbit, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Complex deployment sequence, high altitude orbit

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

N/A

Challenges Faced

Achieving high deployment orbit; later discovery of mirror flaw

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Mission Timeline of STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch NASA Space Mission
  • On Hubble concept originated decades earlier, the initial mission outline was submitted to NASA leadership. 
  • A key design milestone was achieved during the CDR held on Hubble CDRs in late 1970s/early 1980s. 
  • The full structure of the NASA space mission was successfully assembled on Hubble assembly completed in 1980s, marking a major milestone in spacecraft readiness. 
  • On April 29, 1990 (Landing at Edwards AFB), mission control confirmed the spacecraft’s successful encounter with its target, with all systems performing as expected. 
  • After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked April 29, 1990 as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Hubble concept originated decades earlier

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

Hubble CDRs in late 1970s/early 1980s

Assembly Complete Date

Hubble assembly completed in 1980s

Launch Date

April 24, 1990

Landing / Flyby Date

April 29, 1990 (Landing at Edwards AFB)

End of Primary Mission Date

April 29, 1990

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UPSC Relevance of STS-31 Discovery Hubble Launch
  • NASA space missions are frequently covered in the UPSC Prelims, especially under science and technology, due to their importance in current affairs.
  • The application of space-based data for disaster management and weather forecasting—an area where NASA contributes significantly—is important for GS Paper 3.
  • UPSC IAS Exam GS Paper 4 may explore ethical implications of using autonomous technologies in space, with NASA missions serving as real-world examples to examine boundaries of human-machine decision-making.
  • Whether exploring climate data from NASA satellites (Geography), understanding U.S. space policy impacts (PSIR), or ethical decision-making in high-risk missions (Philosophy), NASA Space Missions offer integrated value across multiple UPSC CSE Optional subjects.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
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Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager-2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission
Answer: Artemis program
Solution: The Artemis program aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. The expected launch time for Artemis 1 is August 2022, though earlier this was supposed to be in May 2022. So far, NASA has successfully completed the wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on June 20. NASA successfully launched the CAPSTONE mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. The spacecraft and the CubeSat satellite are on their way to a lunar orbit. The mission carries a dedicated payload flight computer and radio that will perform calculations to determine whether the CubeSat is on the right path.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the XPoSat satellite:
1. The XPoSat was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) via the PSLV-C58 mission.
2. This mission makes India the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite.
3. XPoSat carries two payloads, named POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: option 2
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as the XPoSat was indeed launched by ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission. Statement 2 is incorrect as India is not the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite. Statement 3 is correct as XPoSat carries two payloads, POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

Q3. Which collaborative space mission involves the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aiming to study the Sun's corona through precision formation flying?
1. Europa Clipper
2. Proba-3
3. VIPER
4. Hera mission
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Proba-3 mission, set to launch in September 2024, is a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere. To overcome the challenge of observing the corona, Proba-3 will use a unique approach by launching two satellites that will fly together in a precise formation, creating an artificial eclipse in space. This formation will allow scientists to continuously observe the corona, providing detailed information about this part of the Sun.

Q4. Which telescope is currently considered to be the most powerful in its reach?
1. Spitzer Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. James Webb Space Telescope
4. Keck Observatory
Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It was launched on December 25, 2021, and is considered the most powerful space telescope, succeeding the Hubble Space Telescope.

Q5. Which company conducted the fourth test mission of the Starship rocket that survived reentry and achieved a demo landing?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. NASA
4. Boeing
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully survived reentry through Earth's atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean during its fourth test mission after launching from south Texas. The test mission is part of SpaceX's test-to-failure rocket development campaign, aiming to improve the Starship's reentry and landing capabilities.

Q6. Group Captains _______________ and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh
Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: India has selected two Indian Air Force pilots, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime astronaut and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. The selected pilots will begin their training in the first week of August 2024.

Q7. The fault that occurred in which spacecraft has led to the delayed comeback of Sunita Williams to earth from space?
1. SpaceX Dragon
2. Soyuz 1A
3. Boeing Starliner
4. NASA Orion
Answer: Boeing Starliner
Solution: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced issues that led to the decision to delay the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. NASA identified helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft's reaction control thrusters, resulting in the decision to keep the astronauts in space until February 2025.

Q8. Which company launched the mission on September 28, 2024, to retrieve NASA astronauts stranded on the ISS due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Rocket Lab
4. Northrop Grumman
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX launched its Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, to the International Space Station using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission's main objective is to return NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS due to propulsion system issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Q9. Where did ISRO launch India's first analog space mission to simulate interplanetary habitat conditions?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4. Leh, Ladakh
Answer: Leh, Ladakh
Solution: ISRO launched India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, in collaboration with various institutions. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon, replicating the extreme challenges astronauts would encounter in extraterrestrial environments.

Q10. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere. The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above
Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn but rather a mission to Venus. The primary objective of Shukrayaan-I is to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus, not Saturn. However, it is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Given the incorrect information about the target planet, the correct option is None of the above.

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Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC

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