Hubble rescue 'will be scrapped'
 

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.

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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.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4197505.stm

In other news Bush just asked for another $80 billion for Iraq,, a fraction of which could be used to save hubble.
I guess destruction and and recession are more important than progress and discovery to this administration..

Don't worry, God will fix it