Louis Lanzerotti Robotic Quotations

We are not saying sit on ones hands for the next year at all. We're saying precede vigorously with the development activities for a robotic mission. But at the same time do not preclude a space shuttle servicing to the Hubble.

The uncertain current status of the shuttle return to flight as well as uncertainties in the early stages of development of the robotic mission lead us to believe that the key technical decision points are at least a year in the future. Keeping both options open would be a prudent direction for the agency to take.