To Infinity, and Beyond!

From what I understand, that's not really going to be possible unless someone can come up with a privately funded Space Shuttle.

Again, from the NPR report I heard yesterday, the Shuttle routinely supplied Hubble with fresh batteries, instruments, etc. as well as maintaining it's orbit from decay. The orbit Hubble is in is quite a bit higher than the ISS, and I doubt any private interest would be able mount a manned craft to the ISS...let alone Hubble - and perform EVA.

It's sort of interesting how dependent our manned spaceflight programs have become on the Shuttles - recall that Hubble is sized to fit inside a Shuttle's cargo bay. What I'd like to see them do is go fetch it back to earth, refit it, and then maybe carry it back to become a permanent adjunct to the ISS. That would be a feat in itself, providing the Shuttle is capable of landing at full GWT with hubble onboard...would think so. Unfortunately, it will probably just come crashing back to earth someday.

i have hopes for the euro and japanese programs. that damn telescope cost too much in blood sweat and tears to be tossed aside. it's the one real seti tool that could pull of some serendipidty. and all them purty pictures.

Mark Schynert

Hubble's replacement, the JWST, is already under development and planned for deployment by 2011:

NASA is going to send a robot craft up to attach to the Hubble and guide it to a safe re-entry.

To quote another great American President: "There you go again."

I think you've got your facts wrong (but, then, should I be surprised?). The Bush administration did not put any such literature up for sale at the Grand Canyon as you have so boldly announced. In fact (just in case you might be interested in fact), the literature you reference in your post was, set up there by a couple religious organizations that have absolutely no connection to the Bush administration, or any Governmental entity at all.

The National Park Service is consulting with its legal office on the legality of removing that literature, as well as those ridiculous signs that have gone up around the canyon. Before they act, they want to make sure they do not violate anyone's Constitutional rights of others (you know, the free speech thing you and others have mentioned here so frequently).

Your post is just another of those all-too-typical attempts to foment myth and half-truth alarmist rhetoric when it suits your purpose. Even a meager attempt at factuality might be a refreshing change.

"The world would be a much simpler place if every one could pick and choose their obligations, but we can't and we shouldn't." Major Charles W. Whittlesey

Yeah - I think it should be salvaged.

Sort of in the same vein, I was really shocked to find out just how much of a contribution was made by amatuer astronomers during the Columbia investigation during that briefing I mentioned. The Admiral said they often have film or tracking footage that NASA does not.

But still crashing back to earth in the endgame...I'd certainly like to see them retrieve it and bring it back.

like the nsa and cnn?

What would be the point of retrieving the Hubble? Its replacement will be far superior to it and will be placed in a better orbit, probably the L2 Lagrange point, as well.

I think the point would be to put it in the smithsonian as they'd claimed all this time

Who is 'they'? AFAIK the possibility has been discussed but no firm decision or promise was ever made.

As I recall, the last B-52s were supposed to be retired in the late

What movie is that?

"Toy Story" Line uttered by Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)

-- John ___ __[xxx]__ (o - ) --------o00o--(_)--o00o-------

The history of things that didn't happen has never been written - Henry Kissinger

Sort of...only more, I think. Because there are more hardcore amatuer astronomers out there than I figured, I guess. I was mostly amased at the quality of the metric data the amateurs are able to provide. Not your "incidental to our family vacation" sort of stuff.

Yeah - I'd second that!

What's the point of preserving any historical object?

I just think it would be a good thing...a Shuttle and Hubble there in the Smithsonian next to the Wright Flyer and such. Just my opinion...

if they keep using up every piece of space hardware,or letting it burn up on re-entry,they'll be nothing left for future generations other then fakes...be honest,are you more impressed with a copy of the wright flyer or the real thing?