On 24 April 1990, a space shuttle put the Hubble space telescope in orbit at an altitude of 400 km.
Initially "short-sighted" due to a design error, the telescope was to recover its sight during a mission to correct the defect in 1993. In addition to its undoubted value to astronomers the world over, Hubble has greatly contributed to the promotion of astronomical images among the wider public. Of modular design, Hubble's instruments and equipment are regularly upgraded and replaced.
A mission scheduled for late 2008 will enable a final upgrade prior to its definitive withdrawal from service.