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NASA Reveals Superpowered Telescope

Giant camera will replace Hubble, see across universe

By Greg Atwan, Newser User

Posted May 11, 2007 4:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – NASA has uncovered a prototype for a new telescope that will outmagnify the dominant Hubble. The James Webb Space Telescope will cost $4.5 billion and float nearly a million miles from Earth when it launches in six years; its supercharged hexagonal mirror will transmit images of the farthest and oldest corners of the universe.

And punctually, at that: Engineers are optimistic that the telescope, which will employ a lens three times the size of the greying Hubble's, will in fact shoot into space by its target of 2013. "There's engineering to do," a contractor says, "but invention is done, more than six years ahead of launch."

Eta Carina - Death star? Illustration by Nasa (http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/images/eta_car_pix/eta_laser_big.jpg)

' (Associated Press)

Hubble Photos Eta Carinae (Getty Images)

The massive star Eta Carinae (http://www.tcd.ie/Physics/Schools/what/stars/EtaCarinae2.jpg)

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World's Biggest Plane to Rocket People into Space

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Thousands converge to watch

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Can planet sustain life? Curiosity will search for clues

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Hundred Year Spaceship could hit other planets, too

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Giant camera will replace Hubble, see across universe

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASA • space exploration • James Webb Space Telescope • Hubble • space • telescope • James Webb

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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World's Biggest Plane to Rocket People into Space

Paul Allen project might be ready for tests in 2016

Mars Rover 'Curiosity' Launches

Thousands converge to watch

NASA Preps Biggest-Ever Mars Rover

Can planet sustain life? Curiosity will search for clues

Private Companies Shoot for the Moon

About 30 companies vying for Google's big prize

NASA Plans to Send Men to Mars, Leave Them There

Hundred Year Spaceship could hit other planets, too

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Newser By Users

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