An independent panel of astronomers has recommended NASA consider options to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in planning the transition to the James Webb Space Telescope (formerly the Next Generation Space Telescope), expected to be launched in 2011.
NASA plans to launch Space Shuttle Servicing Mission 4 (SM-4) - actually the fifth servicing flight since the HST was launched in 1990 - in 2005-6. This is expected to allow the Hubble to remain operational until around 2010.
In the wake of the Shuttle grounding, which could delay or prevent the servicing mission, NASA asked the expert panel for recommendations. The panel's first option is to fly servicing missions in 2005 and 2010 to "maximise the scientific productivity" of the Hubble.
The second option is for one servicing mission in 2006 to replace gyros, install new instruments and attach a propulsion module to allow the HST to be de-orbited at a later stage.
If no servicing mission is possible, the third option is to launch a robotic craft to de-orbit the telescope autonomously.
Source: Flight International