Scientists Clamor to Save Hubble

[Jacobin]

02:00 AM Jan. 31, 2004 PT

Faced with the impending loss of the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers and space enthusiasts raged mightily against the dying of the light. Now it appears their efforts to save Hubble, along with political pressure, may be paying off.

NASA decreed two weeks ago that, in the interest of astronaut safety, no more shuttle missions will service the famous orbiting telescope. That pronouncement consigned the Hubble to a fiery descent and violent plunge into the Pacific Ocean just a few years from now.


Now the agency appears willing to revisit its decision. On Thursday, Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski released a letter from NASA chief Sean O'Keefe stating that a top official will "review the (Hubble) matter," according to an account from the Associated Press.

The apparent change of heart follows a steady stream of protest from Hubble fans, who called the decision to abandon the scope premature. Moreover, they claimed, the plan would undercut the popularity the space agency has garnered with its recent successes on Mars.

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,62103,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1


Good news for Hubble fans who are outraged at the Chimp's attack on scientific pursuits of inestimable value!!!/

[Desperadoe]

1. Could I buy

a link??

[Jacobin]

2. oops, added link

:-)