It's Ceased to Be, Pushing up the Daisies, Met it's Maker

[Channel Hopper]

Herschel R.I.P.

http://www.space.com/20883-largest-infrared-space-telescope-ends.html

 

[Topper]

What not sending a tanker to refuel it?

 

[Channel Hopper]

It is a few miles away.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

They say there is a helium shortage on Earth as its is. They already talking about scaling down its use in balloons seeing as they use it in hospitals and for scientific research.

 

[2cvbloke]

Did they not think to equip it with bussard collectors to pick up space-borne helium? Have they not learned anything from Star Trek?

(Okay, the Bussard collectors on a starship are for collecting hydrogen to supplement the Duterium supply, rather than helium, but hey, they're scientists, they can separate H from He!!)

 

[Channel Hopper]

The most logical method of replenishing the helium would be by the natural alpha decay of a radioactive material such as uranium. But since the telescope has used rather a lot of helium in the four years of operation, you would need an awful lot of the stuff in the first place, and have it at the Lagrange L2 position beforehand.

The other option would be to use something other than helium for the cooling process but ten years ago it was really the only option, again for the 'all in one package' launch scenario..

 

[PaulR]

Channel Hopper, on 01 May 2013 - 10:26, said:
The most logical method of replenishing the helium would be by the natural alpha decay of a radioactive material such as uranium.

You'd probably find that it was more than the critical mass of Uranium to produce meaningful quantities. It would have to be refined Uranium as "shipping costs" of unrefined ore would be prohibitive!

 

[Channel Hopper]

You'd probably find that it was more than the critical mass of Uranium to produce meaningful quantities. It would have to be refined Uranium as "shipping costs" of unrefined ore would be prohibitive!

If only they hadn't dumped a large amount on the far side of the moon a few years back.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072564/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cq7isloJj8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cq7isloJj8[/url]

 

[Topper]

Lol yes it did not take much to get their sets moving

 

[PaulR]

Damn, I'd forgotten about that.

You know, I really do miss the moon in the night sky. And the lack of tides any more is a real nuisance.