They never seem to build upon past lessons. They build, use, discard, then start all over from scratch. Hubble has taught us so much about the design and functionality of a space telescope. I think they should take the blueprints of Hubble, and incorporate all of the engineering lessons learned about it over the past 18 years from the various servicing missions as well as the latest advances made in technology and materials. Then they should increase its size by 20% and build a successor.
Imagine a hubble type scope with a flawless mirror 20% larger and fashioned with the latest manufacturing processes from the most advanced materials and optical coatings. Add to that modern electronics and sensors and it would have well over 80% more light gathering capability than Hubble.
Space/Science » in reply to re: bring it home. - Unless there's a 2nd generation shuttle, Hubble will stay in limbo orbit.
My biggest gripe with Nasa.
The whole thread (35 posts)
- Decision made to let Hubble die in space after one more repair
- Several parts of the HST are already back on Earth!
- Put it on sale a E-bay.
- bring it home
- Not a single space telescope (except those attached to the shuttle) has been brought back home
- re: bring it home
- re: bring it home
- can't bring it home
- re: Decision made to let Hubble die in space after one more repair
- re: Decision made to let Hubble die in space after one more repair