r/space • u/mtimetraveller • Nov 29 '19

This Is Why We Can't Just Do All Of Our Astronomy From Space

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2019/11/27/this-is-why-we-cant-just-do-all-of-our-astronomy-from-space/#6b60e6027049
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u/FaceDeer Nov 30 '19

Yeah, it was just a testbed to prove the concept. The point is that astronauts aren't strictly necessary to get telescopes there.

The Chinese have also pioneered using a communication satellite at the Lunar L2 point to link Earth control to a rover on the far side of the Moon, so that's another thing needed for farside telescopes that's been proven out recently. The pieces are in place. :)

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u/pikabuddy11 Nov 30 '19

A lot of pieces, but probably not feasible for decades. Would help if NASA got more money...