It’s too bad the next telescope to replace Hubble is having major difficulties.
Space based optical telescopes are fast becoming obsolete thanks to adaptive optics. Its a good thing really. Maintenance can be done after breakfast and before lunch without the hassle of hoisting someone into orbit.
I know there’s a 36 meter optical array in the works. Given the global economy its hard to say when it will come online. I have read that our first real look at an exoplanet will probably come from a ground based telescope.