The Space Review: Considering the fate of Hubble (page 2): "Considering the fate of Hubble
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Considering SM5
The prospect of Hubble failing late this decade—potentially several years before JWST is launched—has raised interest in a sixth servicing mission, SM5. The mission, tentatively slated for around 2007 or 2008, would perform final maintenance on the telescope as well as possibly install new instruments for Hubble’s final years. SM5 could also allow Hubble to continue to operate well past 2010, overlapping with JWST.
The astronomical community is divided about SM5 and a Hubble life extension. John Huchra, an astronomer who serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), notes that the servicing missions have the effect of rejuvenating not just the telescope but the community as well. “In effect, a brand new observatory has been delivered to the community on each such mission and the community has responded with a full intellectual commitment to exploiting this resource,” he said in a written statement. “Unlike our early expectations, HST is not gradually declining in its productivity and scientific appeal—it is increasing.”"
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NICE WRITE UP ABOUT THE HUBBLE BY JEFF FOUST publisher of The Space Review. - LRK -