The next generation space telescope

The design life time of the Hubble Space Telescope will nominally end in 2005. Even though it might be possible to extend the operational life beyond that date it is evident that a successor to Hubble must be planned for now. Based on the report 'HST and Beyond' (Dressler 1996)) and aligned with the NASA 'Origins' program a study has been initiated to explore options for a telescope with an aperture of larger than 4 meters and possibly as large as 8 meters, optimized for the near infrared (≈ 1-5 micron) to be placed in an orbit far from Earth. The study started in December 1995 and has been proceeding with considerable momentum. At the current time three studies have been completed (NASA in-house, TRW, and Lockheed), which are being used to explore technological and programmatic challenges. The studies are to be merged. It is impressive to see what can be done with existing technology and within the capabilities of existing organizational arrangements. The goal is to complete the study within one year with the goal of entering into phase A as soon as possible. Formal agreements between ESA and NASA will have to be negotiated if Europe is to play a meaningful role in this exercise. Without such agreements, it is clear that European astronomers will not have access to the NGST in the way that they currently enjoy the opportunities provided by the HST.