Hubble or Webb? Space Telescope Trivia — 10 Questions

Match the shuttle launch, mirror repair, infrared science, mirror segments and the L2 observing region.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01Which space shuttle launched Hubble in April 1990?

DiscoveryAtlantisEndeavourColumbia

QUESTION 02What optical problem affected Hubble shortly after launch?

A missing solar panelSpherical aberrationA cracked lens capA failed rocket engine

QUESTION 03Where does the Hubble Space Telescope operate?

The lunar surfaceA fixed point at MarsEarth orbitThe Sun-Earth L2 region

QUESTION 04Which year did astronauts first service Hubble to correct its optics?

1980200520211993

QUESTION 05What type of light is especially central to Webb observations?

Infrared lightOnly radio wavesOnly visible green lightOnly X-rays

QUESTION 06When was the James Webb Space Telescope launched?

April 24, 1990December 25, 2021July 20, 1969December 25, 2011

QUESTION 07How many segments make up Webb's primary mirror?

6121836

QUESTION 08What is the approximate diameter of Webb's primary mirror?

1 meter2.4 meters20 meters6.5 meters

QUESTION 09Which rocket carried the James Webb Space Telescope into space?

Ariane 5Saturn VFalcon HeavySpace Shuttle Discovery

QUESTION 10Why does Webb need a large multilayer sunshield?

To catch rainTo keep infrared instruments coldTo create artificial gravityTo photograph its own mirror

Keep your curiosity going.