Upgrade Will Boost Hubble Vision

Spectacular images from the Hubble telescope are about to get even more awe-inspiring, thanks to a $900-million upgrade during an upcoming space shuttle mission—the fifth and last mission to the orbiting observatory. Two new high-tech instruments and a series of repairs will make Hubble able to probe even deeper into space and see farther back into time for its last 5 or 6 years in operation, reports the Washington Post.

 "We will have the most powerful imaging capability on Hubble ever—and possibly anywhere," said a Hubble senior scientist. Another scientist called the mammoth telescope the "most productive in history." The first data and images from the improved Hubble are expected by early next year.