I agree. It is sad to see it being pushed back time and time again but obviously we are not ready to do a project like this without massive cost overruns. There is a point where you just have to enough! Do we really have the technology and political will to do this type of project? I think the answer may be NO on both counts. With new technologies Earth based telescopes may be able to do much the JWST job at a fraction of the cost. I'm sure this will be considered in any final decision. I have no doubt there will be new telescopes in space but maybe not this one, not yet anyway. Till then we have the Hubble which is still operating beautifully. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dale Hooper Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:23 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] James Webb Telescope in Danger/To be Canceled? Don't get me wrong - I definitely want to see JWST launched. But, this thing is already so over budget and schedule and so complex. If it slips to 2018 it will be much more over budget. I think with JWST we've reached the limits of size and complexity that are possible without having the ability to service the instrument. In other words, they have to make sure that everything works right the first time or you will have $7B+ of space junk. In the future, any space telescope larger or more complex than this will have "some assembly required" in space by astronauts. Clear skies, Dale.