Hubble Space Telescope First Light (1990)
Hubble launched in April 1990, but its first images were blurry—engineers discovered the mirror was ground too flat by a fraction of a hair's width. After a repair mission in 1993, Hubble became the most productive scientific instrument in history. Over 35 years, it confirmed black holes in galaxy cores, measured exoplanet atmospheres, found the most distant galaxies known, and proved the universe's expansion is accelerating (a Nobel Prize-winning discovery).
Initial embarrassment turned to triumph after repair; transformed public engagement with astronomy
Generated more citations than any other scientific instrument; operated far beyond planned 15-year lifespan
Rubin follows Hubble's playbook: achieve first light, work through commissioning challenges, then spend a decade revolutionizing astronomy. But where Hubble stared deep at small patches, Rubin photographs the entire sky repeatedly—complementary approaches to cosmic mysteries.