This Amazing Mission Almost Failed After Launch

The Hipparcos mission, launched by the European Space Agency in the 1980s, faced initial setbacks due to a failed booster, resulting in an elliptical orbit. Despite this, the mission exceeded expectations, lasting longer and providing data on over 2.5 million stars. It resolved the age discrepancy of the universe and accurately predicted comet impacts on Jupiter. Hipparcos laid the groundwork for future astronomical research, demonstrating the power of human curiosity and resilience in space exploration.

What role did Hipparcos play in predicting the Shoemaker Levy 9 impacts on Jupiter?

In what ways did the Hipparcos mission lay the groundwork for future astronomical research?

What is the significance of the Hipparcos mission in the context of space exploration?