"Explorer" wrote in message
oups.com...

Better to hold onto existing hardware until the replacement is on
orbit.

I tend to agree.

So, we really need that robot to save Hubble!'

No, we can use the shuttle. We have astronauts who have said they'd be
willing to risk the dangers to fix Hubble (but not for a retrival mission,
which I can understand.)

Keep in mind, while a safe haven is nice, it doesn't completely solve all
the issues. A mission to Hubble has many of the same risks of an ISS
mission. An ATO, an RTLS, TOA, etc all risk the shuttle, regardless of
where you're flying it to.