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Assuming that things like Starship work then launching larger scientific instruments will be much easier as will refueling them. A considerable portion of the
by JaimeThompson 5y ago
Assuming that things like Starship work then launching larger scientific instruments will be much easier as will refueling them.
A considerable portion of the cost and risk comes from getting the mass and physical size down so we can launch them.
- gostsamo 5y agoI get that part. The interesting part is if building a new instrument will be marginally more useful than resupplying the current one. A few years back there was a demonstration of an orbital vehicle for refueling satellites. So, which is better: spending a few more billions for capturing a few more frequencies of infrared light or spending a few hundred millions for extending the life of the current mission.
- JaimeThompson 5y agoBy current mission do you mean Hubble?
- gostsamo 5y agoNo, James Webb.