Hubble Telescope Engineering Design Failure

Engineering Design Failures: The Hubble Telescope – Postcard Activity

This activity is ideal for Engineering or Design students to introduce them to one of the most significant engineering failures in modern history; the Hubble Telescope optics failure. Designed as a creative writing and engineering reflection task, students take on the role of an engineer looking back on the design to identify what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and what lessons future engineers can learn.

Ideal for:

• Design and Technology
• STEM and Engineering
• Cover or extension work for Key Stage 3 or early Key Stage 4

What’s Included:

• 1. Printable postcard-style worksheet encouraging concise written reflection
• 1. Alternative postcard worksheet with a folding card.

The worksheets include:

• Prompts exploring design failure, safety, materials, and human factors
• YouTube link to a short video explaining the Hubble Telescope failure.
• Suitable for both individual and group work