Hall of Fame Archive

This is an open letter to Dr. Peter H. Diamandis:

Dr. Diamandis,

I did not have occasion to talk or communicate with you personally in my role as leader of the Micro-Space X Prize team. However, I believe the following idea deserves your attention.

The National Space Society is pushing the message that, by White House Directive, funding for a Hubble Service mission “will be wiped from the budget”. (March, 2005)

I claim no supernatural insight into the vicissitudes of political policy, nor ability to change it. I understand that a multibillion dollar “blank check” for what is viewed as a slim chance to save this valuable asset might be money poorly spent. However, rather than abandon hope, let congress do this:

Transfer title of this asset to the X PRIZE Foundation, on the condition that they can arrange for a manned servicing mission to reach, and upgrade the Hubble telescope.

Let that organization offer a One Billion Dollar prize for a successful service mission.

There is no chance that this asset can be replaced for less money. This is probably less than what has been invested into upgrade hardware, designed to fit this instrument, which can be installed in this effort. The mission itself is easier than Bigelow’s challenge, and the reward 20 times larger! I believe that a group of very motivated individuals will tackle this challenge, and succeed! (With Elon Musk at the forefront). And, should THIS effort fail – unlike traditional approaches – no money is spent!

The prize offering can be funded by agreements from the international community (and the US if it so desires) to pay for use of this incomparable asset.

I believe that after your wonderful success with the X Prize last year, you will be able to find a sponsor willing to propose a bill of this sort in congress – and that given the suggested action, this amazing instrument will be preserved and upgraded (with no public cost or risk) instead of being destroyed!

Thank you for your attention. (PS, while I have your attention, I would welcome an opportunity to demonstrate in “Zero G” flights a “Man Maneuvering Unit” (suitable for use by orbital tourists) and a long duration life support system.)

Richard P. Speck Micro-Space, inc. 4/11/2005