Without doubt the Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most important telescopes ever built. Its clear view of the cosmos, above the turbulent and distorting atmosphere, has changed our understanding of the Universe in which we live. Its science is remarkable, its images iconic and it had much more to give. So why is it being abandoned? Few were expecting such an announcement about the demise of Hubble. Just a few weeks ago Steven Beckwith, the director of Hubble's home institution, the Space Telescope Science Institute in Maryland, told BBC News Online that he was looking forward to the next servicing mission and the upgrade Hubble would receive. Mr Beckwith said that Hubble was working more efficiently than when it was new and could get even better. With Hubble's replacement - the James Webb Telescope - not due in orbit until 2012 at the earliest, he hoped that Hubble could survive until the handover. So what happened? Why is the US space agency (Nasa) abandoning one of the most productive scientific instruments of all time?

The main reason is safety. It is said that the decision was made solely by Nasa's chief, Sean O'Keefe, and that it was not related to President George Bush's new space plan for a return to the Moon and missions to Mars. Money was not an issue.


View: Full Article | Source: BBC News

did any one else see a cloud pic .from hubble with jesus or know what i'm thalking about?

Firstof all, I don't know what your talking about.
Second of all, please, type right(I don't understand what your saying)

sorry i type too fast computer cant keep up

It seems incomprehesible to me that Hubble will be de-orbited. If there ever was a time that the need for private, manned space ventures, it is most definately NOW!

Despite the fact that the James Webb Telescope will launch in 2012 at the earliest, that leaves a five year interval in which no research can be done from a space-borne telescope.

And what if the JWT is destroyed by catastrophic failure of its launch system. That would set back astronomical research years at a time when mankind should be making its greatest strides in cosmic discoveries.

I can't stand it that in the 21st Century, we can't even sell the Hubble to the highest bidder and then have that bidder upgrade it on orbit so that it could continue to serve mankind in our efforts to better understand the universe and our place in it.

Instead, its continuing legacy will be wasted and those of us who feel the most frustrated at this news will remain powerless to help avoid its demise.

Sean O'Keefe, if you're watching, you MUST reconsider your position and set about finding a way to save Hubble.

welcome to the future: where everything is disposable.


PS. I live not thirty miles from Marshfield, Mo where Hubble (the namesake for the telescope) was from. I find that the throwing away of the telescope an insult to the good people of that town, who have shown nothing but pride in the project.

the13thMajestic...

You have made several good points, but perhaps additional information is needed here.

Hubble will continue to bring us magic..... It is the mission(s) to service Hubble that is causing this sad, sad situation.

Columbia was the Shuttle that has serviced Hubble in the past, and would be needed to do so in the future. Needless to say, that option ended February 1, 2003.

It is expected that Hubble will continue to provide excellent quality images for several years to come. Right now, Hubble is in need of replacement gyroscopes it keep it correctly pointed in the right direction. Also, two new instruments were due to be added to "enhance" Hubble's capabilities.

No one knows how long Hubble will continue to be productive, that is very true, but it will not "poof" overnight.

As for selling Hubble and have another that bidder upgrade it on orbit, how would you propose that happen? It takes a vehicle like the Shuttle with its payload capability, it takes seasoned, professional astronauts to perform the tasks.

It is also sad that the Shuttles will be no more...... But, it boils down to dollars, cents and safety.