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The Humble Space Telescope

Posted by chrisd on from the again-canadians-show-us-how dept.

frank249 writes " How would you like to do your own astronomy research with a space-based telescope? Sounds unlikely? Perhaps today, since there's only one available, and NASA has it booked pretty solid. However, this is about to change. The Canadian Space Agency just signed a contract to launch Canada's first space telescope, is scheduled to be launched in October 2002. If successful, millions of astronomers worldwide will have access to a more humble version of NASA's Hubble via the internet. It is scheduled to be launched in October 2002 as part of a multiple payload mission from Plesetsk, Russia, on an SS-19 based launch vehicle called Rockot. The SS-19 was supposed to be destroyed as part of an Arms reduction treaty so why not get some use out of it?" And it's so cute, it looks like mod furniture.

5 of 75 comments (clear)

  1. Wow... by mdemeny · · Score: 5, Funny
    This can be done with such a small telescope (15cm aperture) thanks to new Canadian attitude control technology.

    Amazing... the same stuff that keeps us polite make satellites small! Wonders never cease...

  2. Do you think they will become suspicious? by Typingsux · · Score: 0, Funny
    Will they allow me to point it back towards Earth at Heidi Klums apartment?

    Talk about viewing heavenly bodies. Yummmm.

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    The above post is an editorial, the poster cannot and will not be held responsible for all or in part for it's contents
  3. That's a really cool ASP... by Ron+Harwood · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...I'm sure that is one Application Service Provider for the net that will actually make a profit...

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    BlackNova Traders
  4. Re:Hubble data is available to the masses! by phamlen · · Score: 5, Funny

    Right! Use the supposed "Space telescope" to prove that the "Moon landing" was real...like we'd believe that you have a telescope in space!

    Will the conspiracy never end? :)

  5. "New" Canadian attitude control technology, eh? by Spinality · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...as opposed to the old Canadian attitude control technology, viz. the excellent products made by Molson, Labatts, etc.

    I never objected to the previous generation, but one must salute progress I suppose. :)

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    -- We all have enough strength to endure the misfortunes of other people. La Rochefoucauld