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Despite Its Faults (and Costs), Hubble Remains Crucial

Pricey telescope enhances our understanding of space

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2009 1:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Hubble Space Telescope has expanded our knowledge of black holes, so it’s ironic that critics complain the $9.6 billion device is sucking up money and energy that could be shifted to other programs. But, on CNET, Don Reisinger defends the telescope as earthlings’ best shot at unlocking the secrets of the universe, like determining its formation and exact age.

“Is it costly? Sure,” Reisinger concedes. “Could it have been built better to weather space conditions more effectively? Of course. But for all its faults and costs, they pale in comparison to all of the knowledge Hubble has given us. Simply put, the Hubble Space Telescope has proven its worth. And I don’t believe there’s any debating that argument.”

The Hubble Space Telescope is seen against black space.
The Hubble Space Telescope is seen against black space.   (Getty Images)
In this photo released Tuesday by NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope is seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
In this photo released Tuesday by NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope is seen from the Space Shuttle Atlantis.   (AP Photo)
In this image from NASA TV, astronaut John Grunsfeld, with the Hubble Space Telescope at his back, holds onto the shuttle's robotic arm.
In this image from NASA TV, astronaut John Grunsfeld, with the Hubble Space Telescope at his back, holds onto the shuttle's robotic arm.   (AP Photo)
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Shuttle Atlantis astronauts talk from space about their experiences repairing the Hubble space telescope.   (CNN)

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Since we simply don't have the ability to explore space the way it would be required to fully understand our history, it's the Hubble Space Telescope that we must rely on to provide that for us. - Don Reisinger, CNet

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
kokuaguy
May 22, 2009 6:38 AM CDT
The money is much better spent than if it had been used to put a so-called anti-missle shield system in Ukraine or Poland or wherever.
Circusdog
May 21, 2009 9:40 AM CDT
world control network? They suck at it
Observer
May 21, 2009 8:45 AM CDT
The Hubble is one of histories greatest inventions. Cheers to all the brilliant contributors to this unique success. It is one NASA program that I wish could go on for another 50 years. Most of NASA's trillions of dollars have been spent on space weapons and spy satellites - don't kid yourself. They are part of the DOD world control network.

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NASA • astronomy • space • telescope • space telescope • Hubble Space Telescope

 
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