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Scientists Debate Robotic Hubble Mission

Posted by timothy on from the world-wars-lead-to-medical-breakthroughs dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Some scientists are questioning whether the robotic mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope is worth the risk and cost. After the Columbia disaster, NASA cancelled its shuttle mission to Hubble, and replaced it with a robotic mission. However, the price tag of the robotic mission is between $1 billion and $2 billion, almost the cost of a new space telescope. Optics expert Duncan Moore is unsure whether the mission will bring the most scientific return per dollar spent. Hubble director Steven Beckwith says the mission will lead to breakthroughs in space robotics."

8 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. But think of how cool it would be... by f4llenang3l · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... to have robots with hands in orbit! I mean, we could make giant shadow puppets on the Great Wall of China!

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    1. Re:But think of how cool it would be... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Just imagine the possibilities, it could...

      - Knock on the door of Space Station Mir, then fly off.
      - Play Rock'em Sock'em robot with the satellites.
      - Give the finger to Canada when orbiting overhead (I kid, I kid...)
      - Play air guitar...in space!
      - Combine with other robots to make one gigantic super robot.

      etc.

  2. Get Dick Cheney to cover it. by pair-a-noyd · · Score: 2, Funny

    He's got plenty of money, what with all the billions Halliburton has bilked the American public out of. What is the tab now? About 200 BILLION?? So what's a billion??

  3. A funny parallel by LucidBeast · · Score: 3, Funny
    I have an old Toyota thats about 16 years old and I kind of have the same dilema...

    Though, on the second thought, this problem doesn't involve robots.

  4. Re:Cheaper to replace? by nacturation · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... add in a robotic arm or two so it can do self-repairs

    And of course, if it's the arms that need repairing...

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  5. Re:Cheaper to replace? by tonsofpcs · · Score: 2, Funny

    Thats why it has 2, one to repair the other if it dies.

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  6. Re:Critical problem with this argument by Waffle+Iron · · Score: 2, Funny
    Even with the original blueprints, some of the original parts, manufacturing processes, and even suppliers DO NOT EXIST ANY MORE.

    Then FIND THOSE BLUEPRINTS TOO.

  7. If the robots are ocean-bound anyway... by laughingcoyote · · Score: 3, Funny

    If, as I understand it, the robots would be brought down and destroyed after the mission anyway, why couldn't NASA get some more use out of them?

    Put cameras on them with a feed to Earth, this is not that hard to do. Have the two robots slug it out in orbit over the Pacific, maybe with the moon as a backdrop, and drop 'em into the Pacific after that.

    It probably strikes as a bit off-the-wall, but could have several benefits...the sale of advertising during the program could pay a decent bit of the bill, and hey, we need to do SOMETHING to get people aware that yes, there actually is something out there past the atmosphere. Might raise support for funding in several ways...for one, not needing so much of it (the advertisers), and for another, raising public awareness.

    Yes, I'm advocating a publicity stunt. That's what seems to get people's attention.

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