The problem with both ideas is, no way back — if the goal is to send a *really durable* probe out of the Solar System, and time is no object, great. Otherwise, it’s just a neat idea that isn’t practical and accomplishes nothing.
http://www.google.com/search?q=space+exploration+TAU+project
Thousands of Astronomical Units.
The plan was to send a telescope 1000's of AU out of the plane of the galaxy.
This would provide for direct imaging of our own galaxy (and hidden hangers on) while also providing a long baseline for accurate distance measurements.
It doesn't need to come home any more than Hubble did.
The images would be no less spectacular and awe inspiring than Hubble.