Letter from Thomas Stafford to Sen. Hutchinson Regarding Hubble Space Telescope Servicing by NASA

Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford USAF (Ret.)

Co-chairman Stafford/Covey Return to Flight Task Group

1006 Cameron Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

June 7, 2004

Dear Senator Hutchinson:

I am writing in response to your May 26, 2004, letter to President Bush asking that the Hubble Space Telescope manned repair mission be reinstated to NASA’s flight manifest.

As chairman of the first Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission review, and as co-chairman of the Return to Flight Task Group charged with reporting on NASA’s actions to meet the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) I understand the technical and operational challenges of servicing the HST as well as the constraints under which the Shuttle Program is operating.

We all agree that the HST is a marvelous scientific instrument, and it is my hope that its operational lifetime can be extended. This can indeed be accomplished via an unmanned robotic mission instead of with a manned Space Shuttle.

It is not necessary to send humans when a robotic mission can extend the useful life of the HST. By advocating an unmanned robotic mission to the HST, NASA has not only embraced the CAIB recommendations, but has taken a step to preclude undue risk. As an added benefit, the demonstration of such robotic capabilities will be important as NASA implements the vision for space exploration.

I appreciate the contributions and service you have given our country. Please fell free to contact me on this matter if I may be of assistance.

Sincerely

Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (ret.)

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cc: NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe