Hubble Trouble

As NASA releases the James Webb Space Telescope's first images, we focus our lens on its predecessor: the Hubble Space Telescope. Prepare for liftoff, as we explore how America's first large space telescope went from a "billion-dollar blunder" to one of history's most important scientific instruments.  Guests: Samantha Thompson, curator of science and technology at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum  Robert Smith, former space historian at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum; author, Hubble: Imaging Space and Time  Jeffrey Hoffman, NASA astronaut who repaired Hubble in 1993  Sandra Faber, professor of astronomy & astrophysics at University of California Observatories/Lick Observatory

Om Podcasten

More than 154 million treasures fill the Smithsonian’s vaults. But where the public’s view ends, Sidedoor begins. With the help of biologists, artists, historians, archaeologists, zookeepers and astrophysicists, host Lizzie Peabody sneaks listeners through the Smithsonian’s side door, telling stories that can’t be heard anywhere else. Check out si.edu/sidedoor and follow @SidedoorPod for more info.