Save the Hubble 02/17/2004 messages
Read messages of the previous day, here or choose from the list below
Save the Hubble Inspiring Message of the Day:
"I've just celebrated the 10th anniversary of my trip to watch the launch of HST SM1 (December 1993).
The launch was an awesome sight from the press site. I watched the crew walkout at the Ops and Checkout building the day before launch. It was postponed due to high winds. When I met astronaut Story Musgrave in 2002 he told me the shuttle was really shaking in the wind so the delay was wise! With a friend one morning, I watched the bright orbiter docked to HST pass over the motel. I was staying in Titusville on the spacecoast, near the Indian river. It was a remarkable time. So much optimism, so much success during those spacewalks and the stakes never higher for collaboration between the human and robotic space programs. Myself, my friend and the rest of our spaceflight society toasted success in 1994 when the first images were taken using the corrective optics. I have subsequently met astronauts Claude Nicollier, Ken Bowersox and Story Musgrave in the UK to reminisce about the success of SM1. The European Space Agency has a large share in the Hubble ST and its astronomers are major users. This American government decision affects our astronomers. I welcome President Bush's new space vision but the cancellation of SM4 was a body blow. Where is the NASA "can-do" spirit? I feel that It's about money not safety. Andrew Salmon, Midlands Spaceflight Society Birmingham Astronomical Society Writer for Popular Astronomy (Thank you Andrew! Beautiful words S.t.H.)
Save the Hubble Idea of the Day:
Why hasn't anyone thought of it before? It's brilliant! (S.t.H.)
"(...)it would appear that the main suspect in the shuttle disaster is the damage caused to the RCC (Reinforced Carbon Carbon) leading edge of the wings by debris from the external tanks (mainly foam & ice) and that the of all the proposed remedial measure this is likely to be the most difficult to rectify in space, should it recur. I have a suggestion – which I am sure is naïve – but have been unable to see the flaw and would be grateful if someone could put me right. The RCC is a very effective thermal insulator and if it is to fail - due to damage at launch – this will occur during re-entry when the wing edge and nosecone take the brunt of the friction, what if the RCC areas were to be coated with a sacrificial spongy coating designed to deaden debris impacts at launch? This material need not have any special thermal properties and can slough off soon after launch or burn off in re-entry it only needs to survive 3 minutes to separation and is of peak importance in the first few seconds after engine start, when most of the ice seems to be shed due to the intense vibration and acceleration around launch. Jonathan Jackson (Another one from UK. No wonder they built Stonehenge! S.t.H.)
Save the Hubble Reason of the Day:
"Great work with the site! My two cents: What some folks fail to realize is that the Hubble attracts more interest (which really means money) with it's "pretty pictures" and "purely esoteric information." The Hubble is good press despite it's problems. The fact alone that the problems were overcome to make Hubble a success is incredible. If you love the space program, then the Hubble is your best advertising campaign since the Apollo missions." Dead Senator. (First dead person contribution here! S.t.H.)
Save the Hubble (err) Unusual Idea of the Day:
"It seems as though NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe has already made the decision NOT to save the Hubble and let it burn up in the Earths atmosphere once it stops working.Send Hubble into orbit around the moon, rather than burn it up in the Earths atmosphere. This would effectively mothball Hubble until a decision and funding to fix it is reached.If NASA is headed for the moon again soon, then fixing the Hubble could be within their sights. Hubble would also function better the further away it is from the Earths outer atmosphere . I must emphasis this is a last ditch effort to saving Hubble. Regards, Anonymous Australian (Well, it's an idea, what the heck!. S.t.H.)
Save the Hubble Best Political Challenge of the Day:
(this IS a democratic site!)
"Safe haven capability;
Long since the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo were started there has never been any concerns about sending any single ship into Space this includes the Russian's and now the Chinese with regards to space exploration. This was not even give a thought of even after the Apollo 13 accident which utilized the Lunar Modules resources ensuring a small ability for safe return. None was give when we had Skylab, the Russians Mir and now the ISS up until now.
I say unless Nasa Plans on this feature be present with each launch no matter what type of vehicle is used, then maybe we should live with the chance as we always have but be ever more vigilant with the response to anything from here on out that affects safety.
This is not just a fact for the Hubble rescue servicing mission this goes for all missions into space. The investment into the future of man kind needs to be made today not when it is to late to respond to it.
Explore, reach out and have vision to go and not to sit just ideally by. Harold LaValley.
Save the Hubble Philosophical Quote of the Day:
"Veni. Vidi. Vici. As Julius Ceasar once said, satisfied with his view of Roman Britain. Hubble came, as did JC and not without hitches along the way. Hubble saw things beyond the visions and dreams of the greatest scientists, from JCs Roman Empire to the most recent of times. Hubble conquered hearts, minds and imaginations, of the youngest children to the most hardened academics, in a way that JC never did. Like JC the fall of Hubbles final curtain will be politically inspired. Good luck to all the team and everyone working to secure the future of this fantastic achievement. If all us little guys out here can help to keep Hubble flying, make sure you tell us how."Doug Johnston, Nuneaton, England. (Thank you Doug! JC didn't do it alone! S.t.H.)
Save the Hubble Reason Not to of the Day:
(this really IS a democratic site!)
"Let's face it - the danger in servicing the Hubble Telescope has not changed! Since, cost is inconsequential compared to the benefit, another reason has been manifested."So, only one other conclusion exists: The Hubble Telescope has seen too much and must go! I predict that the proposed replacement will also be cancelled, and that funding for extended exploration (moon/mars) will evaporate! Regards, Anthony J. Sanner (Rather pessimistic I'd say; but I see your point. Hope you're wrong though! S.t.H.)