NASA has unveiled the James Webb Space Telescope, which will replace the Hubble Space Telescope in 2013. A BBC News article gives the details.

The Hubble Space Telescope, whom we can thank for our current estimations of the age of the universe as well as many ideas about its future — plus of course for all the pretty pictures — is getting a face lift in May 2008. NASA has finally decided to send a crew of seven astronauts to service the ageing telescope, which as a result ought to keep it functioning at least until 2013. Hurray, say I. (link)

Now that the shuttle programme is more or less back on the tracks, it has the remaining three and a half years left to service the ISS before shuttles are retired in 2010. This means that the next years will see a large number of shuttle launches, between 15 and 18, aiming to expand the station threefold, as well as possibly maintenancing the Hubble Space Telescope.

One of Hubble Space Telescope’s cameras has stopped working. NASA engineers, however, are confident that the instrument will be back in working condition by the end of next week. (Source: New Scientist)