One of the great scientific instruments of all time, which has given the clearest pictures of galaxies forming in the very early universe, is at the mercy of the scientists for its survival. After 16 years and thousands of hours observing the universe, the space telescope is showing its age. It needs some maintenance and sure, it deserves it
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Just like any automobile that needs to be taken to the garage once in a while, Hubble needs maintenance but one lastservicing mission will add five good years onto the space telescope’s lifetime. There’s still a tremendous amount of information that can come from it and the telescope today is a far more capable and reliable than when it was launched. It sure deserves our attention and respect. If not given maintenance, this time the telescope will deteriorate into oblivion by 2009 or 2010 which most of the Hubble scientists surely don’t want to happen.
Via: msnbc
