hubble in trouble

[timetraveller]

According to a news clip on the December S&N disc Hubble has had a major malfunction and is now just drifting helpless in space with Nasa unable to do a thing about it. NASA'S original scheduled space shuttle Mission to carry out repairs has had to be put on hold according to the news Broadcast It was going to be the most complex mission ever undertaken I seriously hope they can sort this out hubble has given us such great service over its life would be a huge shame for it all to end like this . Also did anybody see The actual S&N programme our bernie ( supernova ) puts in an appearance with his pumpkin cannon in Sir P's back garden

regards Pete

[Becky]

I hope they do manage to sort out hubble. It has blessed us with some fabulous images. I haven't seen the S&N programme yet, but Bernie's pumpkin cannon sounds like something worth looking out for. I can't begin to imagine how it features!

Peace and Clear Skies,

Becky.

[Sam]

Crikey that doesn't sound very good! I hope they fly the repair mission and get Hubble fixed. Given how long it's now been up there and the dangerous and unforgiven environment of space I suppose we've had a pretty good run.

Sam

[NickH]

They have it on a backup system rebooted and working..

Press (printed) is always a bit behind the times

[vincentnm]

See an example of overzealous press printing. They apparently printed this before the Shuttle Launch. Unfortunately the mission was cancelled and the magazine ended up with egg on its face.

[timetraveller]

oh that's good to hear I couldn't really see them letting Hubble drift aimlessly in space for too long its one of NASA's prime resources. Have they also re scheduled the shuttle mission ?. I guess the out of date news has in this case got more to do with print deadlines and non re callable CD cover disc's regards Pete

[supernova]

I don't understand why they dont bring it back and do a refit at home, I know it will involve 2 launches but it could be sorted out.

And they could give the mirror a clean in the sink and other stuff.

[ringz]

Bernie,

They are afraid of landing with something as heavy as Hubble in the cargo hold, especially after what happened on re-entry to Columbia.

--

Martyn

[supernova]

Hmm, Very good point not something I thought about

[supernova]

It has not been landed with a big payload ????????

[Viking]

Yes Bernie, they could clean the mirror -------- with cotton wool buds!!!

John

[supernova]

Yes Bernie, they could clean the mirror -------- with cotton wool buds!!!

John

Why not? cotton wool buds are not expensive :scratch:

[barkis]

I would think the mirror is as clean as the day it was commisioned.

Ron.

[supernova]

I would think the mirror is as clean as the day it was commisioned.

Ron.

Ron, have you not heard of astro pidgeons :shock:

[barkis]

I would think the mirror is as clean as the day it was commisioned.

Ron.

Ron, have you not heard of astro pidgeons :shock:

Yes, but they would need to be very good aimers Bernie. :laughing2:

[timetraveller]

but going on this theme why dont they bring it to the ISS to service it and get it all sorted ot there instead of floating in space they have a robotic arm on the ISS so should be possible to do it regards pete

[PhillyDee]

Its in a far different orbit apparently. Thats why they cant use the ISS if the mission goes pear shaped and would have to send up another shuttle. Plus, it would probably crash it . . . Too much risk i think.

[SteveL]

The hubble is *RIGHT* on the limit that the shuttle can reach. It uses twice as much fuel to get to hubble versus getting to the ISS. If anything goes wrong, they have no way of getting back, and they cant use the ISS as a lifeboat, hence the requirement for a second shuttle on "hot standby" when the hubble repair mission goes up.

You think this is bad... what about all the future space telescopes going out to L1/L2 locations.... if they fail, they are instant junk. No way to reach them at all.

[PhillyDee]

You think this is bad... what about all the future space telescopes going out to L1/L2 locations.... if they fail, they are instant junk. No way to reach them at all.

Hmmm, never thought of that one . . .

[Psychobilly]

On a prog the other day they reckoned they had 49% fuel left after reaching Hubble last time ... good job its downhill on the way back ain't it...

[barkis]

Oh!, What Nasa wouldn't give to have a Tractor Beam. :laughing2:

Ron.

[timetraveller]

maybe that's the answer guys maybe NASA needs to build a tractor shuttle that it can keep and refuel up on the ISS then they could tootle off to which ever piece of equipment they needed to repair and just tow it back an Astronomical version of the AA or RAC Relay I bet the pilot would be ... A very Nice man a very very nice man LOL I'm sure BP or Shell would take up and sell the franchise for the refueling station could even set up a McDonald's and a mini mart to sell anti freeze and screen wash and while I'm at it ill just check your tyre pressure guys lol

[dph1nm]

Isn't this just this story? As far as I know Hubble is now back working fine, albeit without backup if anything else fails:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7701211.stm

NigelM

[SteveL]

Yep, this thread was started by a news item in TV show included on the December S@N CD, which was actually recorded back in September! (SPMs star party), so the information is so woefully old.

[thing]

I've often wondered why they don't just build a big pier a 100 miles high and stick a scope on that. Have some ladders (well OK a lift....) going up the inside and Bob's your uncle.