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We cannot fly the orbiter to rescue Hubble (SM4) because there is no safe haven.
Now we learn that the ISS is not a great safe haven either and if 7 additional astronauts need to live aboard ISS for any length of time, the life support systems could be swamped, effectively ending the usefulness of the facility.
Why is ISS the only safe haven?
[http://www.astronautix.com/craft/x38.htm]X-38 would have cost $500 million and would have delivered 4 useable spacecraft within that price. X-38 masses less than 9000 kg, well within the capability of Delta IVH with room for a robotic station keeping attachment.
Flying orbiter with a 2nd orbiter on "stand by" is expensive and seriously messes up any reasonable operational tempo for ISS completion. IMHO, more than $500 million might well be saved by finishing X-38, putting one in a Delta IV-H and keeping that on standby to rendevouz with orbiter in event there is damage that cannot be repaired.
Orbiter crews are limited to six, but so what?
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