Robotic Repair to Hubble Taking Shape

Robotic Repair Call to Hubble Taking Shape

Unless the Hubble Space Telescope gets new batteries to power it and new gyroscopes to keep it stable, engineers expect breakdowns to put the telescope out of commission by 2008. Astronauts have repaired it three times since its launch in 1990.

Another manned repair mission was planned for in 2006, but the last space shuttle accident, the risks looked too great to NASA.

NASA's decision that Hubble would not be repaired brought dismayed criticism from scientists, politicians and public supporters of the telescope, which has captured memorable images of the cosmos.

Now NASA is planning a robotic rescue mission.

Technology News: Science: Robotic Repair Call to Hubble Taking Shape