02-13-2016, 02:29 PM
grasping at straws HOTPE
Let's compare a couple of straws.
Cost of TMT: $1.4 billion
Cost of James Webb Space Telescope: $8 billion (so far)
(final cost of Webb telescope assumes it will not arrive in orbit with a deformed mirror like the Hubble, resulting in a lengthy non-operational period during which scientists needed to devise a corrective workaround. As well as multiple space shuttle missions to repair and upgrade.
Delay of TMT: so far under a year
Delay of James Webb Telescope: projected minimum of 8 years
Question: Which technology is more "obsolete"? Technology of a system delayed by a year or several years, or technology delayed by 8 years, possibly more?
Bonus Question: Which telescope is more likely to provide more value on a per dollar basis over it's lifetime?
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard
Let's compare a couple of straws.
Cost of TMT: $1.4 billion
Cost of James Webb Space Telescope: $8 billion (so far)
(final cost of Webb telescope assumes it will not arrive in orbit with a deformed mirror like the Hubble, resulting in a lengthy non-operational period during which scientists needed to devise a corrective workaround. As well as multiple space shuttle missions to repair and upgrade.
Delay of TMT: so far under a year
Delay of James Webb Telescope: projected minimum of 8 years
Question: Which technology is more "obsolete"? Technology of a system delayed by a year or several years, or technology delayed by 8 years, possibly more?
Bonus Question: Which telescope is more likely to provide more value on a per dollar basis over it's lifetime?
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves