Study critical of robotic Hubble repair
Posted: Tue, Dec 7, 2004, 7:20 AM ET (1220 GMT)
An independent study of alternatives to repairing the Hubble Space Telescope is expected to conclude that a NASA initiative to develop a robotic repair mission may be too expensive and risky than simply launching a replacement telescope. The "Analysis of Alternatives" report by the Aerospace Commission, to be submitted to NASA this week, is expected to note that the robotic repair option, expected to cost around $2 billion, would be just as expensive as launching a replacement telescope using instruments originally planned for installation on Hubble, and would have a lower chance of success than the replacement telescope. Reviving a shuttle repair mission — an option rejected by NASA early this year because of safety concerns — also scored higher than the robotic option. NASA officials remains optimistic about the robotic repair options, believing that such a mission can be accomplished for considerably less than current estimates while also developing technology that can be used on future missions. A separate review of Hubble servicing mission options, performed by the National Academies, is scheduled to be publicly released Wednesday.
An independent study of alternatives to repairing the Hubble Space Telescope is expected to conclude that a NASA initiative to develop a robotic repair mission may be too expensive and risky than simply launching a replacement telescope. The "Analysis of Alternatives" report by the Aerospace Commission, to be submitted to NASA this week, is expected to note that the robotic repair option, expected to cost around $2 billion, would be just as expensive as launching a replacement telescope using instruments originally planned for installation on Hubble, and would have a lower chance of success than the replacement telescope. Reviving a shuttle repair mission — an option rejected by NASA early this year because of safety concerns — also scored higher than the robotic option. NASA officials remains optimistic about the robotic repair options, believing that such a mission can be accomplished for considerably less than current estimates while also developing technology that can be used on future missions. A separate review of Hubble servicing mission options, performed by the National Academies, is scheduled to be publicly released Wednesday.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, February 12
Philip Plait on the Wonders of the Universe
The Browser — 7:00 pm ET (0000 GMT) Young girl's curiosity of science leads to becoming first African-American woman in space
US Air Force — 6:58 pm ET (2358 GMT) Cleveland-built testing equipment ready for space
AP — 6:57 pm ET (2357 GMT) Out of this world! Video shows spectacular view of moon and Northern Lights from space
The Daily Mail — 6:56 pm ET (2356 GMT) Final ‘go’ for Vega launch
ESA — 10:27 am ET (1527 GMT) |