Hubble Space Telescope from the Shuttle Atlantis (2009)

A historic farewell captured in stunning detail—this remarkable photograph documents the final servicing mission to humanity's most celebrated orbital observatory, immortalizing a crowning achievement in space exploration.

Historic Final Encounter: The Farewell to Hubble

This extraordinary image, captured on May 19, 2009, by an STS-125 crew member aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis, reveals the Hubble Space Telescope drifting away after the completion of its fifth and final servicing mission.

This poignant moment marks the last human encounter with the telescope that has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the cosmos. 

This image captures Hubble reborn. It was also the moment when human hands touched the telescope for the last time, a bittersweet farewell to an observatory that continues to make groundbreaking discoveries today.

A Defining Moment in Space Exploration

The STS-125 mission represented the culmination of human ingenuity and determination. Over the course of five challenging spacewalks, the seven-member crew of Atlantis—Commander Scott Altman, Pilot Gregory Johnson, and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Michael Massimino, and Megan McArthur—performed complex repairs and crucial upgrades to this orbiting marvel.

This final service mission installed state-of-the-art science instruments including the Wide Field Camera 3 and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, breathing new life into humanity's eye on the universe.

Museum-Quality Space Poster for Your Collection

At Astrography, we don't just offer prints—we curate emotional connections to the cosmos. Each piece in our collection is meticulously selected not only for its visual impact but for the powerful story it tells. 

This historic image of Hubble's final servicing mission represents a pinnacle moment in human space exploration, preserved in exquisite detail for your walls.

Two Premium Options to Suit Your Space

• Fine Art Print - Our museum-grade print is created using archival materials with a remarkable lifespan exceeding 200 years. Perfect for serious collectors and those who value exceptional quality that will stand the test of time.
• Poster Print - Our more accessible option delivers the same striking image in a high-quality format that makes space exploration history attainable for any enthusiast or gift-giver.

Why This Image Belongs on Your Wall

This photograph isn't merely a document of space hardware—it's a testament to human achievement and ambition.

The Hubble Space Telescope has fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe, providing breathtaking views that have inspired generations. 

Meet our selection of Hubble Photos for the 35th Anniversary

Perfect For:

• Art Collectors seeking historically significant space photography
• Space Enthusiasts who appreciate space exploration's greatest achievements
• Interior Designers creating sophisticated, thought-provoking spaces
• Home or Office Spaces that deserve conversation pieces with depth
• Meaningful Gifts for science educators, astronomers, graduates or people who love science & art

The Story Behind the Image

This photograph was taken during a moment of separation—after Atlantis and Hubble had been linked for the better part of a week.

The mission, which almost never happened due to safety concerns following the Columbia disaster, became one of NASA's greatest success stories. Against the stark backdrop of space, this image captures Hubble in its element—orbiting Earth with renewed capabilities, ready to continue its remarkable journey of discovery.

Ready to Own a Piece of Space History?

Don't miss your chance to bring this historic moment into your home or office. Click Add to Cart now to secure this powerful piece of space exploration history before our current production run sells out.