New hubble space pics

[Skorixor]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20051201/ ... blecloseup

and to think that the government wants to let the telescope fall to the earth, instead of going up to maintain it

[Keer]

Lovely image there. The Hubble is a legend in it's own time. There is strong will in and outside the government to maintain it...especially since the Hubble isn't always pointed up But with the shuttle program on lockdown several programs are withering on the vine regardless.

Then came Katrina...If there was a slim chance of getting the shuttles back up, the hurricane cut that back even more by damaging two key space shuttle support facilities in Louisiana and Mississipi.

I think the current rough plan is to put any available cash resources into revamping our heavy lifting capability with a view towards the Hubble's replacement, the Webb Scope, and finishing off the Space Station. Too bad for the Hubble though. It's more than earned it's spot in space exploration history.

Personally, the Hubble alone has inspired me to consider going back to school for a space sciences degree. I have a feeling that the next 2-3 decades are gonna rock our world.

/salute