The highly successful Hubble Space Telescope was meant to change our view and understanding of
the universe. Within weeks of its launch in 1990 however the space community was shocked to
find out that the primary mirror of the telescope was flawed. It was only the skills of
scientists and engineers on the ground and the daring talents of astronauts sent to service the
telescope in December 1993 that saved the mission. For over two decades NASA had developed the
capabilities to service a payload in orbit. This involved numerous studies and the creation of
a ground-based infrastructure to support the challenging missions. Unique tools and EVA
hardware supported the skills developed in crew training that then enabled astronauts to
complete a demanding series of spacewalks. Drawing upon first hand interviews with those
closely involved in the project over thirty years ago this story explains the development of
the servicing mission concept and the hurdles that had to be overcome to not only launch the
telescope but also to mount the first servicing mission - a mission that restored the telescope
to full working order three years after its launch saved the reputation of NASA and truly
opened a new age in understanding of our place in space. This is not just a tale of space age
technology astronauts and astronomy. It is also a story of an audacious scientific vision and
the human ingenuity and determination to overcome all obstacles to make it possible. Hubble
Space Telescope: From Concept to Success is a story of an international partnership dedicated
teamwork and a perfect blend of human and robotic space operations that will inspire people of
all ages. The subsequent servicing missions that enabled the telescope to continue its
scientific program beyond its 25th year in orbit are described in a companion volume Enhancing
Hubble's Vision: Servicing a National Treasure.
