From: henry@spsystems.net   
      
   In article ,   
   Arie Kazachin  wrote:   
   >...Why is it considered such an absolute   
   >requirement to have a manned service mission?   
      
   Because current operational space robotics hardware cannot even come close   
   to equaling the manual dexterity of a spacesuited astronaut.  Hubble is   
   complicated, and it wasn't designed for robotic servicing.   
      
   Adequately-dextrous robotics are probably possible, but they are an   
   advanced research topic, not something you can confidently ship up with a   
   high probability of things working right the first time.   
      
   >...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"...   
      
   Uh, the "hand" at the end of the shuttle arm is the size of a garbage can,   
   and all it can do is grab objects (which in practice have to be of equal   
   or greater size) which have standard grapple fixtures.  It's not something   
   you can use to disconnect walnut-sized electrical connectors.   
   --   
   MOST launched 30 June; science observations running     |   Henry Spencer   
   since Oct; first surprises seen; papers pending.        | henry@spsystems.net   
      
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