Watch Saving Hubble

Saving Hubble is a gripping documentary produced by David Gaynes and directed by Gaynes and Carl Knutson. Through this documentary, the filmmakers explore the story of NASA's fifth and final mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. The documentary reveals the incredible work done by the astronauts and scientists who were responsible for ensuring that the Hubble Space Telescope continued to operate.

The documentary features interviews with several of the people involved in the mission, including the astronauts who participated in the final service call in 2009. The film also features interviews with scientists, engineers, and other professionals who played a vital role in the Hubble program. One of the most prominent interviews in the documentary is with renowned astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil deGrasse Tyson, who provides an in-depth analysis of the scientific significance of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Through interviews with the astronauts, the filmmakers give viewers an inside look into the intricacies of the mission. The astronauts share their experiences of the difficulties of working in space, including the physical and mental challenges of deploying the tools they needed to complete the mission. They also discuss the moments of awe and wonder that they experienced while working on the Hubble Space Telescope.

The documentary also covers the technological advancements that made the mission possible. NASA built specialized tools and equipment to enable the astronauts to undertake the complex repairs needed to keep the Hubble Space Telescope operational. This included developing a whole new generation of imaging devices to further the research on the telescope.

One of the most significant challenges that the team faced during the final service call was the installation of two new instruments, the Wide Field Camera 3, and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. These new tools brought new potential for the Hubble Space Telescope to explore the universe, but their installation was extremely complex and required the team to undertake a series of intricate maneuvers.

Saving Hubble is more than just an incredible technical achievement; it’s a tribute to the millions of people worldwide who worked on the program, as well as the scientific accomplishments made possible by the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble has provided some of the most striking and influential observations that have given us a better understanding of the universe we live in. The documentary also underlines the importance of investments in scientific research and the need for ongoing funding for future space projects.

The film ends with the crew on their way back to Earth with the satisfaction of a job well done along with a sense of excitement and anticipation for future missions. Saving Hubble represents a powerful ode to the Hubble mission, the people who made it possible, and the remarkable accomplishments that continue to shape our understanding of the universe.

In conclusion, Saving Hubble is an extraordinary film that reflects the incredible achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope mission. The documentary provides insight into the technical complexities, the tireless efforts of the team and the astronomical significance of the Hubble Space Telescope. The film is as mesmerizing as it is informative, and Neil deGrasse Tyson's commentary adds a level of scientific depth that truly enhances the viewer's understanding. Saving Hubble deserves to be viewed by anyone with even the slightest interest in space exploration or astrophysics. It's an essential piece of storytelling and should undoubtedly be considered a groundbreaking documentary.

Saving Hubble is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.