>Wouldn't it make sense to allow it to decay and spend the money on something more modern? Objectively speaking? Yes, money would be better spent developing an

>Wouldn't it make sense to allow it to decay and spend the money on something more modern? Objectively speaking? Yes, money would be better spent developing and launching a newer and better Hubble 2.0. But remember: This is the Hubble Space Telescope we're talking about here, Hubble has acted as the de facto ambassador of space for many generations of people today. The Hubble Space Telescope is a cultural icon of space exploration, it isn't just a space telescope anymore. Consider that when the Space Shuttle program was on its final legs, NASA was convinced to fly one last reboost and maintenance mission to the Hubble because it is the one and only Hubble Space Telescope. I personally think it's worth spending money to preserve and use Hubble as long and far as we can.