Upgrade Will Boost Hubble Vision

Spectacular images from the Hubble telescope are about to get even more awe-inspiring, thanks to a $900-million upgrade during an upcoming space shuttle mission—the fifth and last mission to the orbiting observatory. Two new high-tech instruments and a series of repairs will make Hubble able to probe even deeper into space and see farther back into time for its last 5 or 6 years in operation, reports the Washington Post.

 "We will have the most powerful imaging capability on Hubble ever—and possibly anywhere," said a Hubble senior scientist. Another scientist called the mammoth telescope the "most productive in history." The first data and images from the improved Hubble are expected by early next year. (More Hubble stories.)