Trouble on Hubble telescope delays space shuttle launch: NASA

[El Supremo]

Source: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - NASA on Monday delayed the upcoming launch of the Atlantis space shuttle to allow time to repair a "significant anomaly" that occurred at the weekend on the Hubble space telescope.

"The malfunctioning system is Hubble's Control Unit/Science Data Formatter," which transmits to earth the data from which the spectacular images of space taken by Hubble are derived, NASA said in a statement.

"Fixing the problem will delay next month's space shuttle Atlantis' Hubble servicing mission," the statement said, giving no new lift-off date.

Atlantis had been due to blast off on October 14 on a mission to repair and upgrade Hubble, the space telescope which has revolutionized astronomy since its launch in 1990....




Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080929/sc_afp/usnasahubbletechnologydelay_080929194401

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More bad news today. But don't you love the headline?

[enlightenment]

1. Like the rhyme, but before I clicked on the thread

I had a moment, trying to figure out how the Hubble could screw up a shuttle launch. Did they attach a pulley to the telescope to haul the shuttle into orbit? Were there little green men perched on the Hubble, threatening to smear star jelly on the lens unless we postponed the launch?

I think I need a nap . . .

[Demeter]

2. Hubble Trouble!

(I'm sorry, I couldn't resist)

[FVZA_Colonel]

3. It is tragic we aren't going to haul it down and give it a place of honor in the Smithsonian.

But, given the risks NASA has discussed in such a mission, I can understand why they would not chance it.

[Trillo]

4. Yeah, it's a cool headline, but the beat could be improved.

Trouble on Hubble
telescope delays
launch
NASA space shuttle

[daleo]

5. Plus, the money is needed for bailouts. n/t

[burrowowl]

6. Hope it can be fixed!

[Yavin4]

7. Jack Black's Mom Worked on The Hubble Teliscope

In fact, both of his parents are literally rockect scientists.

Makes you wonder about a switch at the hospital.

[yoodle]

8. I cannot believe it has been in service almost 20 years!