The BBC sez that Earth’s orbit could be in danger of running into Mars’ or even Venus’ orbit in a few million years, creating a killer explosion, we’re sure, but also the death of lots and lots of cyborgs.
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A jet firing will be performed in about a half-hour to increase Atlantis’ separation rate from the telescope, as the seven crew members bid farewell to Hubble for the final time.
A statement from NASA • On the now-completed repairs on the Hubble Telescope, the really expensive camera that they can’t get up there to fix all that often. Space shuttle Atlantis now goes home to the mothership. • source
They expected trouble. They didn’t get it. Dealing with sharp objects, trying to fix a telescope in the middle of space, wearing those freaking suits, possibly getting hit with space junk – there were a lot of pitfalls in trying to fix the Hubble Space Telescope. But despite the massive length of time – six hours and 36 minutes – they did it easily. Great job guys! And when you’re done with that, we need some repairs for our apartment. source
The goal Astronauts from Shuttle Atlantis are up in space attempting to fix the Hubble Space Telescope, a 19-year-old beast of technology which needs new batteries and gyroscopes, a new camera and pointing mechanism, and a 300,000-mile oil inspection.
The perils Well, beyond the fact that they’ll be chilling outside attempting to fix a broken telescope via spacewalk, there’s lots of space junk in that part of the orbit, and if a piece hits the shuttle, NASA might need to send a rescue mission. Scary. source
From orbit: Launch was awesome!! I am feeling great, working hard, & enjoying the magnificent views, the adventure of a lifetime has begun!
Astronaut Mike Massimino • In the first Tweet from space. OK, who let this guy bring his iPhone onto the spacecraft? We admit, we misread “launch” as “lunch” and chuckled a little inside. • source
If this satellite is successfully launched, the space science technology of our country will take another major step for the nation to become an economic powerhouse.
Korean Central News Agency • In an announcement about the launch of a satellite. If they’re gonna do it, this is what they should aim for. Not this. • source
With God’s help and the desire for justice and peace, the official presence of the Islamic Republic was registered in space.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • Iranian president, on the country’s first homemade satellite launched into orbit today. They’re only about 60 years behind Russia and the U.S., but who’s counting? The country claims it was for peaceful reasons, but don’t tell that to people who might be sweating over this move. • source