Hubble Rescue 'Will Be Scrapped'
BBC News - 22 January 2005
Star war missile system – absolutely. Telescope on the
universe – no. What is it the Secret Government doesn’t
want us to see in their new war frontier, space?
The future of the Hubble Space Telescope is in doubt after the White
House refused money for a rescue plan, US media has reported.
US space agency Nasa will announce the decision in February, ending
plans to send a human or a robot repairman, the Washington Post
reported.
The service cost was expected to top $1bn, but has been cut from
the federal budget request, sources told the paper.
For 15 years Hubble has captured some of the most profound images
of space.
Previous services
It was designed to be visited periodically by astronauts who would
perform repairs and install new equipment.
Astronauts have made servicing visits to the telescope several times,
with a final servicing mission - now cancelled - due for 2006.
Despite the funding cut, the telescope is not yet being shut down
- just allowed to operate normally until wear and tear take their
toll.
Its original mission was supposed to last 15 years, and was extended
to 20 years, with a projected end date of 2010.
© BBC MMV
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4197505.stm
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