There are few more iconic images from the Hubble Space Telescope than this one. A colossal pillar of gas and dust towering 9.5 light-years tall, this spectacular structure in the Eagle Nebula highlights the breathtaking beauty sculpted by the forces of star formation.

Thirty-five years ago, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit. It's been sending back galactic data and images ever since.

Exactly 35 years ago this week, the Hubble Space Telescope was released from the Space Shuttle Discovery cargo hatch. Four new images prove it's still going strong.