There are several space based interferometers planned by NASA in the near future. For those who don't know, an interferometer is a device that uses the combined light from multiple telescopes and analyzes the resulting interference pattern to deduce even higher resolution images of the source. The first one planned is SIM Planetquest (the space interferometry mission) will have the capability to determine parallax of stars out to several 10,000s of parsecs which will greatly enhance our ability to know the true distances to all objects in space and perhaps find some planets. They also have planned the TPF (terrestrial planet finder) an interferometer that has the capability of resolving Earth-like planets around other stars. Finally, they have planned the PI (planet imager) which will have the resolution to actually image the surface of those Earth-like planets. I CAN'T WAIT!! How cool will it be to possibly see oceans and continents on distant planet and wonder about the possibilities of life there.
It will take a lot of money for sure. The idea to put it out past Jupiter is just one of several options. The technical limitations are enormous. You have to know the distance between the various telescopes down to the nanometer or better to get the resolution they want. They are using what is called laser metrology to get that accuracy.
Oh my gosh! Ummm, let's just say those 6.5 meter scopes are pretty cool. They are very modern. The Chilean government has put a lot of effort into building good relationships with advanced countries to boost their economy and the Las Campanas, La Silla, Cerro Tololo, and Cerro Paranal observatories are a big part of that partnership.
Hubble has much higher resolution than the 6.5-meter scopes, due to the lack of atmospheric interference. Although, the 6.5-meter scopes do use what is called active optics to increase resolution. Basically the mirrors in the scopes are segmented and can be adjusted individually by mechanical actuators. Essentially, they can adjust the mirror shape many times per second to try to correct for atmospheric distortions. Pretty cool. The space interferometers will be much higher resolution than Hubble.
I hope I don't have to wait a year, but I am in this relationship fixing mode for the long haul. I haven't set a timetable at which I may give up if things seem untenable, but it will be much longer than a year for sure.
"Recollect me darlin, raise me to your lips, two undernourished egos, four rotating hips"
