"On the other hand there IS the risk factor. NASA is afraid of everything it seems. How can we ever expect to return to the moon if we can't go to hubble. "<br /><br />Actually, I believe that NASA is MORE afraid about the reprecussions from losing people than losing astronauts in general. I mean, I'm not trying to picture them as callous people- losing friends is a great deal. But as whole, as an agency, I think its afraid about the backlash from us- the public and in turn, the government. I don't see how so many people can put the blame just on NASA. There's good reason why it doesn't want to take unecessary risk. Once (and hopefully it will) faith is regained in our space program, NASA will take more galant, brave steps. And with that said, no matter how "polarized" the space community is, the space community will always be there, the space enthusiasts, the researchers- will all always be there b/c NASA is our only tool (thus far). BUT the public support and government suppost won't always be there. So its understandable why NASA would give the cold shoulder to part, if not the whole, space community to avert a risk of losing another shuttle and public faith and support with it. I'm not saying going to Hubble is much more difficult (space_guy already pointed out that it isn't- despite the lack of evidence- but I trust the man). But sending the shuttle up even for a miniscule task obviously increases the risk of destruction or loss of life. I mean the way we strongly feel about this situation, I am positive that many many people at NASA feel this way too. What I'm saying is that its not as simple as a statement- NASA is afraid- it never is that simple.