NASA Review: Hubble Headed For Deorbit-Option Only

space.com ^ | April 1, 2005 | Leonard David

[Paleo Conservative]

Of course the James Webb space telescope will be in a Lagrange point

Wasn't that the location of the "Chicken Ranch"? People had no problem getting to it. Just need to contact Marvin Zindler.

[airborne]

OOPS! You had the idea first. I should have read the whole thread first.

[airborne]

If it's not valuable, then any amount paid is profit.

Plus, no expense is required to de-orbit it.

[You Dirty Rats]

The Shuttle should be permenently grounded. It's a death trap. The ISS just isn't enough of a reason to risk sending humans up into space. In addition, the cost is astronomical for the benefits gained.

Hubble is at too high an altitude for the Shuttle to service safely, much less a private contractor.

[You Dirty Rats]

The free market will always find the most expeditious means of solving a problem.

In that case, let's outsource fighting wars to private contractors.

There is a economic market in space for satellites and joyrides. That's about it.

[The_Victor]

Why not sell it?

In 2008 gyros and batteries begin to fail. If it has not been serviced before then, the satellite begins to tumble and cannot be controlled. If the buyer fails to service the telescope (highly likely given the cost of the mission versus the return on investment payoff), then it crashes without knowing where it's going. Remember the lawsuits from Skylab?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy.

A Journey to Inspire, Innovate, and Discover

[RadioAstronomer]

Hubble is reaching the end of its service

Not even close. It was designed to be continuously upgraded. Serious loss to science.

[RadioAstronomer]

The private contractor just might be able to salvage the Hubble, which the gummint cannot. It's worth a go.

Sorry. The lifting capability just does not exist in the private sector.

[RadioAstronomer]

How about conceding defeat, de-orbiting the station, grounding the shuttle, build a new telescope, build a new manned system with technology from this century, and start on Mars.

With what money? Lets at least keep the stuff we have.

[RadioAstronomer]

There are about 4 new telescopes flying or in the works.

None that can or will do the job of Hubble.

Scientists just can't stand Bush's vision of building capability to move into space.

Total BS!

[RadioAstronomer]

I'm thinking the whole Hubble controversy is just another way to bash Bush.

Sorry you are wrong here.

I would like to know the scientists reaction if Clinton or another Democrat decided to shut down the Hubble?

The same.

[RadioAstronomer]

now that the shuttle is operationally restricted to ISS rendevou orbits

We are too cowardly to fly back to Hubble and you really expect us to push into the solar system? Sure.

[RadioAstronomer]

Maybe they could build future space telescopes with a design more accommodating to robotic servicing. Of course the James Webb space telescope will be in a Lagrange point over 240,000 miles away, better hope it doesn't develop glitches because there's no currently manned spacecraft that could reach it.

It also cannot do what Hubble does.

[null and void]

Worth repeating with a couple added words...

It's too bad a cargo only version of the Shuttle launch system was never built. It would take many fewer much safer launches.

[RadioAstronomer]

Note to self. Don't get your BP elevated by reading codswallop about Hubble and our space program.

[null and void]

While we're at it, the external fuel tanks could add a LOT of usable pressurized space to the station...

[6SJ7]

In terms of technological innovation, the private sector has always out-shined the public. One of the more interesting histories is the story of the Wright brothers vs the government funded Smithsonian's Dr. Langley in the development of powered aircraft.

Langley received $70,000 in federal money. The Wright brothers used $2,000 of their own. Langley's flyer dunked in the Potomac. Who would have made a bet at the time that a couple of unknown, uncredentialed, bike mechanics from Dayton Ohio would succeed?

[Neville72]

Hubble's time has come and gone. It was revolutionary in it's time but now will be superceded by other space telescopes that do much more. Hell, if it makes the Hubble-lovers feel better, call one of the new ones Hubble II or Son of Hubble. Then ask them to shut up and help us get to Mars.

[js1138]

Try to get the venue changed from Judge Greer.