Re:Specious assumption (Score 1)

It's probably not the only reason for cancelling the service mission, but a shuttle can't reach the ISS from Hubble's orbit. Thus no lifeboat if something goes wrong (besides sending up another shuttle). Never mind that this has been the case for all (5-6?) previous Hubble missions.

Well, the stated reason for not servicing Hubble is part of a larger decision that all future Shuttle missions will go to the ISS. Although Bush's initiative seems to be a factor, it seems the primary reason for this is safety, due to a recommendation from the CAIB that subsequent Shuttle missions have some way to retrieve the astronauts if the Shuttle was unable to land.