⏰ when
When was the first space telescope launched?
Quick Answer
The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 2, also called OAO-2, launched on 7 December 1968.
The Full Story
OAO-2 launched on 7 December 1968 as the first successful space telescope dedicated to astronomy. It observed ultraviolet light that cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere, opening a new window on the universe. Earlier telescopes had flown briefly on sounding rockets, but OAO-2 provided sustained observations. Its success helped lead to later observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope.
Key Facts
1.Launch date: 7 December 1968
2.Name: OAO-2
3.Observed ultraviolet light
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The telescope that began space-based astronomy"
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