----- Original Message ----- From: "Doug Pensinger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Killer Bs Discussion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 8:36 PM Subject: Re: Suddenly Everyone Has an Opinion about Space
> John wrote: > > > I'm curious what others on the List think about the abandonment of > > Hubble. > > > > In my mind, it seems like the kind of hard, but necessary decision that > > our > > space program so desperately needs. As I understand, Hubble's life > > couldn't be extended forever. Moreover, the survival of Hubble is > > inextricably linked to the space shuttle/deathtrap. Since we > > absolutely, > > positively, have to dump the space shuttle - the loss of Hubble is an > > unfortunate side effect. > > > > I'm not sure that the abandonment of the Shuttle means we can't maintain > HST. Are we going to abandon maneuverable spacecraft altogether and with > them the ability to repair and maintain expensive satellites? > > I would want to look at the cost/benefit before abandoning Hubble > including the cost of putting a replacement up there. If maintaining HST > impacts funding a new generation telescope, I'd be for letting it go, but > if it means giving up the telescopes capability altogether I'd consider > the decision incredibly myopic (yuk yuk). > > We already have other stuff up there but I don't know how it compares with > Hubble. Ronn? > There is the Webb telescope which is supposed to be Hubbell's successor. It comes online right after Hubble was originally slated to be decommished. I have heard it is mostly an infrared telescope, but that it also does some visible light. (I'll have to look that up) The problem with dropping the shuttle is that it is able to carry the gear *and* the crew. We don't have any vehicles on earth that currently have that capability. It makes for simpler logistics I would think. xponent Webbslinger Maru rob _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
