Getting back to the original Hubble servicing question, would not the cheapest solution simply be to build and launch a Hubble clone (this time installing a correctly-figured main mirror) to replace the entire telescope?
I vaguely recall hearing about a report many years ago that concluded that for the expense of all the various Shuttle servicing missions, several Hubbles could have been built and launched on unmanned rockets (Atlas V?), and we would have ended up with a whole fleet of active telescopes.
Of course, it would be much more expensive to build HOP now since the SM-4 instruments flew on STS-125.
Quote from: Jorge on 05/15/2012 09:46 pmOf course, it would be much more expensive to build HOP now since the SM-4 instruments flew on STS-125.Thanks Jorge. Just to clarify; Do you mean that an EELV launch and everything except the SM-4 instruments would be about a billion dollars today, but that re-making the SM-4 instruments (or their current equivalent) would be more than an additional billion dollars?
I didn't notice any $ breakdown in the link.
With a life expectancy of only a couple more years Commercial Space cannot get a manned capsule to the Hubble Space Telescope in time.
Quote from: A_M_Swallow on 09/18/2012 11:38 pmWith a life expectancy of only a couple more years Commercial Space cannot get a manned capsule to the Hubble Space Telescope in time.Really?
Could a booster for Hubble be fitted with CMGs to take over for the ones currently on Hubble?
And replacing gyros is relatively simple compared to instruments; a basic manned Dragon could do it without any extra equipment. Replacing the instruments is where a crane/boom/arm/etc would come in.
Quote from: simonbp on 09/19/2012 08:03 pmAnd replacing gyros is relatively simple compared to instruments; a basic manned Dragon could do it without any extra equipment. Replacing the instruments is where a crane/boom/arm/etc would come in.You mean a Dragon with a robotic arm, right?
Why not simply build a replica and launch it on an F9 (cheapest launch vehicle). Bet the cost would be less than a manned mission and you get a new HST to boot. Also less risky and probably possible in the current timeframe. If you're going to do a refurbishment mission, why not simply a new (same as) unit.