From: ariek@attglobal3.14159265358979323846.net.retro.com   
      
   Hello!   
      
   I've read in few articles dealing with the priorities change   
   in NASA that HST will be let to naturally die as a result of Shuttle   
   service missions cancellation. Why is it considered such an absolute   
   requirement to have a manned service mission? If memory serves, a Shuttle   
   mission cost is around 450-475 M$, how much could it cost to designin   
   a robotic mission? Take the design of the Shuttle's RMS or maybe even   
   the complete hardware if spares exist, attach to it another similar "arm"   
   with different "tool-holding adaptors", also attach few cameras, telemetry   
   and have some fuel reserve to boost the HST to a higher orbit. Launch   
   the "thing", attach it the same way Shuttles RMS would attach and boost it   
   to a higher orbit or perform a repair via telemetry, with the operator   
   wearing a VR gougles.   
      
   How difficult/expensive such a design/mission would be?   
      
   ******************************************************************************   
   *   Arie Kazachin, Israel, e-mail: ariek@attglobal3.14159265358979323846.net *   
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