The illustrious Hubble Space Telescope will eventually re-enter Earths atmosphere and be destroyed or so I understand. Could it be returned to Earth safely and put in a museum? If so, what would be the cheapest way to do it? <\/p>\n
(Continued) <\/p>\n
Our apologies to Sam Palasciano whose earlier submission to this question on 3 June contained an error introduced by us Ed <\/p>\n
Hubbles primary mirror weighs roughly 1800 pounds or 800 kilograms, not 450 as the article stated. This could be significant if someone wanted to seriously pursue this question. <\/p>\n
However, I would much rather someone came up with a way of extending the life of the Hubble telescope in orbit. The replacement Webb Telescope, as I understand it, operates at different wavelengths. Hubble was designed to have a more useful operating window, including both ultraviolet and infrared, an advantage that will be lost when it is closed down. <\/p>\n
Sam Palasciano, Oceanside, California, US <\/p>\n
We pay 25 for every answer published in New Scientist. To answer this question or ask a new one email lastword@newscientist.com<\/a>. Terms and conditions apply. <\/p>\n Please keep your answers concise and include a postal address in order to receive payment for answers, and a daytime telephone number and email address if you have one. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. <\/p>\n New Scientist Ltd reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format. <\/p>\n You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, New Scientist, 110 High Holborn, London WC1V 6EU, UK. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n See the original post here: <\/p>\n Salvaging Hubble - New Scientist<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The illustrious Hubble Space Telescope will eventually re-enter Earths atmosphere and be destroyed or so I understand. Could it be returned to Earth safely and put in a museum? Continue reading