">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Shuttle blasts off to repair Hubble Telescope
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Shuttle blasts off to repair Hubble Telescope
By MARCIA DUNN,AP Aerospace Writer AP - Tuesday, May 12
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Atlantis blasted off Monday for the Hubble Space Telescope on the most delicate and dangerous repair job ever in orbit _ a mission so risky that for the first time a second shuttle stands ready to rescue the seven astronauts if something goes wrong.
ADVERTISEMENT
It will be the last visit to the aging observatory, and the work will include five spacewalks in an especially high orbit strewn with space junk. The astronauts will try to fix equipment that was never designed to be tinkered with in space, and they will not have the option of using the international space station as a safe harbor in a crisis.
The improvements will extend the life of one of the space program's proudest achievements _ a technological marvel that has yielded breathtaking pictures of distant galaxies and some of the celestial violence that shaped the universe.
"I have full confidence that they'll pull off a success and if they do, we'll have a Hubble for at least five, six, eight years more," said Ed Weiler, NASA's science mission chief.
The crew will replace Hubble's batteries and gyroscopes, install two cameras and take a crack at fixing two broken science instruments.
Mission Control wasted no time informing the astronauts that an early look at the launch video had uncovered nothing of concern. Some debris was spotted coming off the fuel tank, but nothing appeared to strike Atlantis. The astronauts inspected the thermal shielding on their crew cabin Monday evening; a full-scale survey of the shuttle was set for Tuesday.
Hubble was passing almost directly overhead as Atlantis rocketed off its launch pad for the 11-day flight. When the telescope broke down last fall, NASA postponed the mission seven months to devise additional repairs.
"At this point, all I've got left to say is, 'Let's launch Atlantis,'" commander Scott Altman said just before liftoff.
"Enjoy the ride, pal," replied launch director Mike Leinbach.
Thirty-thousand people packed the launch site, eager to see NASA's fifth and final send-off to the 19-year-old Hubble. Scientists had mixed emotions as they watched Atlantis climb into the sky.
"We have 60 years of Hubble between us," said Weiler, his arm around senior project scientist David Leckrone. "It's bittersweet ... I know this one is the last one. On the other hand, I know that Hubble is going to be better than ever once the astronauts do their thing."
Leckrone was also wistful: "It's the end of the era of Hubble servicing."
Hubble is way overdue for a tuneup.
But the stakes, as well as the dangers, are higher since astronauts last visited in 2002. Space has become more littered with junk at Hubble's altitude because of satellite collisions and breakups, and NASA now knows all too well how much damage can be done at liftoff by a piece of fuel-tank foam. Columbia was brought down by such a blow.
Astronauts also will remove the science data-handling unit that failed in September and had to be revived, and put in an old spare that was hustled into operation. Fresh insulating covers will be added to the outside of the telescope, and a new fine guidance sensor for pointing will be hooked up.
The work is so tricky and intricate that two of the repairmen are Hubble veterans, John Grunsfeld and Michael Massimino. Grunsfeld, the chief repairman, is making a record-breaking third trip to the telescope. Altman, the commander, also has flown to Hubble before.
All told, it's a $1 billion mission. The space telescope, over the decades, represents a $10 billion investment. It was launched amid considerable hoopla in 1990, but quickly found to be nearsighted, producing blurred images, because of a flawed mirror.
Corrective lenses were installed in 1993 during what Weiler calls "the miracle in space mission." The results were stunning and included the acclaimed "pillars of creation" image of Eagle Nebula, a star-forming region 6,500 light years away.
The new cameras should enable Hubble to peer even deeper into the cosmos and collect an unprecedented amount of data.
NASA canceled the mission in 2004, a year after the Columbia tragedy, saying it was too dangerous because Atlantis would not be able to get to the space station, which is in another orbit.
The mission was reinstated two years later by the space agency's new boss, but only after shuttle flights had resumed and repair techniques had been developed. As an added precaution, another shuttle was ordered to be on standby, in case Atlantis suffered irreparable damage.
If an emergency arises, Endeavour is ready to lift off in as little as three days to save the six men and one woman aboard Atlantis. Endeavour will remain on standby until Atlantis heads back home May 22.
This is the last time a shuttle flies somewhere other than the space station, and NASA does not expect to have shuttles on both pads again.
___
Associated Press Writer Mike Schneider contributed to this report.
___
On the Net:
NASA: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
US sacks commander in AfghanistanAFP - Tuesday, May 12
Accused Nazi deported from U.S. to GermanyReuters - Tuesday, May 12
Pope to visit Jerusalem holy sitesReuters - Tuesday, May 12
NASA astronauts liftoff to Hubble telescopeAFP - Tuesday, May 12
No breakthrough in Georgia crisis talksAFP - Tuesday, May 12
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Australian zoo evacuated after orangutan escape
British store admits it boobed in bra row
Obese young men have less hope of marriage: study
Venezuela oil takeovers may leave 22,000 jobless
$70-80 good price for oil: French economy minister
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 12 May 2009 Mexico drug violence rises on border despite army
| International
|
U.N.'s Ban urges Israel to change settlement policy
| International
|
Somali pirates using London contacts: report
| International
|
Libya reports prison suicide of top Qaeda man
| International
|
Microsoft says Windows 7 on track for holidays
| Technology
|
Google's Android seen gaining support
| Technology
|
Cyberbullying, more than just messing around
| Technology
|
German's Web obsession led to savage British murder
| Technology
|
Missing Nepali ski racer found via Facebook
| Technology
|
EU clears Toshiba to buy Fujitsu disk drive arm
| Technology
|
Pentagon To Replace U.S. Commander In Afghanistan
President Welcomes Industry Health Care Reform Plan
Another Scheduled Military Flight Over NYC Cancelled
Obama Warns Health Care Spending Is On "Unsustainable Course"
Maryland Gov. Pursues Cell-Phone Jamming Test
Update: Shuttle Atlantis Lifts Off For Final Trip To Fix Hubble Telescope
Senate Begins Debate On Credit Card Reform Bill; May Pass Measure This Week
Update: U.S. Soldier Suspected Of Shooting 5 American Soldiers In Custody
Update: Astronauts Board Space Shuttle; Atlantis To Visit Hubble Telescope
50 Cent Still Not Cleared Of His Involvement In House Fire
Michael Jackson concerts may face legal challenge
| Entertainment
|
Kiefer Sutherland says not wrongdoer in NY case
| Entertainment
|
Pakistan army battles Taliban; bomber kills 10
| International
|
Lebanon displays tools it says Israel used to spy
US soldier held after five comrades shot dead in Iraq
New flu not quite a pandemic yet: WHO
| International
|
U.S. soldier kills 5 fellow troops in Baghdad
Incense burns as China mourns quake dead
| International
|
Bernanke sees risk of deflation 'receding' in US
Pope to visit holy sites in Jerusalem
Slowdown, political uncertainty hit India infrastructure
| International
|
US deficit forecasts rise by nearly $90 bln
Iran frees U.S.-born journalist accused of spying
US to 'aggressively' pursue antitrust enforcement
Displaced Iraqis stay away as violence persists
| International
|
NASA astronauts liftoff to Hubble telescope
Suspected Iranian shells hit Turkish soil-officials
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Firms exact climate price
Study finds software piracy growing
| Technology
|
Robot takes over Tokyo classroom
| Technology
|
U.S. "harvesting" canceled satellite for future uses
Woman finds 'Twilight' sequel script in trash
U.S. harvesting canceled satellite for future uses
| Technology
|
Crowd pelts Austin police after fatal shooting
Robot takes over Tokyo classroom
Plane carrying Demjanjuk departs Cleveland airport
Microsoft bond issue sparks takeover rumors
Pesticide carbofuran banned for food crops
More US homes cutting landline phones
Judge in Calif. proceeds with Laos overthrow case
Microsoft says Windows 7 on track for holidays
Shuttle blasts off to repair Hubble Telescope
US fires top general in Afghanistan as war worsens
Greece bars Google's Street View pending details
Obama wants to turn around 5,000 failing schools
Windows 7 available before end of the year
Google's Android seen gaining support
Drew Peterson arrest: What happens to the kids?
Google runs TV ads to promote Chrome browser
Facebook helps find missing Nepalese skier in Paris
Alternate Miss California named as Prejean awaits fate
| Entertainment
|
Star Trek weekend box office nudged higher
| Entertainment
|
Australian Kangaroo survives arrow through head
Singer Yusuf Islam plays first U.S. show in 33 years
| Entertainment
|
Titanic stars donate to final survivor
| Entertainment
|
Putin in Japan for talks on energy, business ties
Indonesia march on, Malaysia recover in Sudirman Cup
Film executives cast hopeful eye on Cannes market
| Entertainment
|
Outgoing Afghan war commander valued outreach
Japan's Prince Akishino meets Austria's president
Comedian Ron White aims to have the last laugh
| Entertainment
|
Pro-NKorea paper accuses Obama of hostility
Texas musician Stephen Bruton dies
| Entertainment
|
UN demands end to Sri Lanka 'bloodbath'
China confirms first mainland case of swine flu
A look at insurgents' use of white phosphorus
Australia's Iraq mission to formally end July 31
China urban fixed-asset investment up 30.5 pct
CHRONOLOGY-BOK holds rates again as uncertainty reigns
Korea Hot Stocks
S.Korea holds rates again as uncertainty reigns
CORRECTED
S.Korea T-bond futures up ahead of rate meeting
Film executives cast hopeful eye on Cannes market
Seoul shares fall led by banks; eyes on BOK
Simon Cowell says Adam Lambert will win 'Idol'
S.Korea to act if won rises too fast -Yonhap
'For Lovers Only' celebrates romance, love songs
Review: `Angels & Demons' more summery than solemn
New Zealand food prices fall 0.6 pct in April
Nathan Lane, Bebe Neuwirth set for 'Addams Family'
NKorean, Brazilian ministers discuss trade, talks
Texas musician Stephen Bruton dies
Alternate Miss California named as Prejean awaits fate
"Titanic" stars donate to final survivor
Kiefer Sutherland says not "wrongdoer" in NY case
Oprah Winfrey to say goodbye to Dr. Oz
American kills 5 fellow soldiers at clinic in Iraq
Accused Nazi guard arrives in Germany to face charges
| International
|
Sri Lanka brushes off criticism over rebel war
| International
|
Pope comes under criticism in Israel
| International
|
Venezuela expropriates 39 oil service firms
Building siege ends in Afghan town after blasts
| International
|
New virus could still mutate, spark pandemic: WHO
| International
|
Freed U.S.-born reporter says to rest, be with family
| International
|
Iraq parliament demands more water from neighbors
| International
|
Thousands flee Mogadishu, death toll hits 113
| International
|
Disaster looms with rising sea levels: islands
Ocean conference seeks ways to stem climate change
Ex-Nazi camp guard deported to Germany
Software piracy worsens in Asia: study
Woman accused in porn star prostitution ring
Microsoft CEO says talk of SAP buy are rumors
| Technology
|
Astronauts 'tweet' from space
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,294
Italy charges two French Al-Qaeda suspects
Bill would allow return to lower credit-card rates
UK telcos face price-savvy consumers
| Technology
|
Argentina denounces British claims to Falklands
British leaders apologise in expenses row
Pentagon replacing top Afghanistan commander
Vodafone to open network for applications store
| Technology
|
Schwarzenegger: Next year's deficit climbs to $15B
Airliner engine ingests object on ground at LAX
Ex-NYC officer gets 10 years in Pa. bank heist
China steps up flu vigilance in wake of first case
Japan's opposition to pick new leader on Saturday
Indonesia to deport activists over ocean protest
Economic woes weigh as Cannes film festival opens
| Entertainment
|
Pakistan troops attack Taliban stronghold: army
Bomber kills 10 in Pakistan as army battles Taliban
Putin praises 'atmosphere of trust' with Japan
Cambodia tells Thailand to pay border damages
Gaudy and glitzy, Moscow hosts Eurovision contest
| Entertainment
|
Slowdown, political uncertainty hit India infrastructure
NZ imprisons Chinese child kidnapper for 9 years
Australia ends Iraq military mission in July
Japan's Nissan posts first loss under CEO Ghosn
Japan's NEC reports 3.05 bln dollar annual loss
Philippine exports fell 30.9 pct in March: govt
Taiwan sells 20-yr bonds at 2.325 pct yield -c.bank
Bank of Korea keeps key interest rate at 2 percent
China exports down 22.6 pct in April: state media
Cannes red carpets 3D 'revolution' with flick 'Up'
Serb shoppers count the pennies
Comedian Ron White aims to have the last laugh
Disaster looms with rising sea levels: islands
"Star Trek" weekend box office nudged higher
NY appeals court OKs foreclosure on Gotti mansion
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights