So Long, Spitzer, You Were a Good Telescope and Friend

Ever since NASA launched Spitzer Space Telescope on August 25, 2003, it's been working overtime to return stunning infrared images and new insight into the wonders of our universe. Today, the mission is set to end.

From Cassini, which peeled through Saturn's rings, to Stardust, which scooped up comet dust, we're taking a look back at some other NASA/ESA missions that revealed the wonders of the universe to us. Their demise, planned or unplanned, left us bereft. So why do we grieve over a hunk of wire and metal?

These intrepid robots seek to answer life's greatest questions: "Are we alone in the universe?" "What else is out there?" "How did this all begin?" They're a portal to unknown worlds and illuminate the dark corners of the universe. Spitzer, too, helped us understand the mysteries of our solar system and beyond. For that, we thank her.