HST servicing mission. A view of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in orbit prior to capture by Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-61. The base of the HST is toward the camera. The deformation of the HST's solar panels is particularly evident. The background of this frame is part of the Indian Ocean, with part of the West Australian coast seen at bottom right. Mission STS-61 flew on 2-13 December 1993, and was the first servicing mission to the telescope. Five sessions of extravehicular activity (EVA), each with two astronauts, were required to complete the servicing tasks.