07-31-2026, 12:56 AM
ground-based telescopes can do the job of the JWST or Hubble for a much lower cost and can be maintained and upgraded.
As TomK mentioned above, ground based telescopes can be maintained.
An example of attempting something as (relatively) simple as raising the orbit of a space telescope is happening right now. The satellite that was launched for the rescue mission is spinning out of control, even before it could reach the Swift Telescope. Hopefully they can still recover control and complete the mission. Stay tuned.
If it was a problem on a Mauna Kea telescope, you drive a truck and repair crew up there.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/re...-in-orbit/
As TomK mentioned above, ground based telescopes can be maintained.
An example of attempting something as (relatively) simple as raising the orbit of a space telescope is happening right now. The satellite that was launched for the rescue mission is spinning out of control, even before it could reach the Swift Telescope. Hopefully they can still recover control and complete the mission. Stay tuned.
If it was a problem on a Mauna Kea telescope, you drive a truck and repair crew up there.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/07/re...-in-orbit/