How big can be a space telescope ?

> On Jan 23, 2007, at 3:59 PM, Omar E. Vega wrote:
>
> t theory a telescope could be hundred or thousand of meter in size,
> and able to see solid planets in far away stars.
>
> The question is, which real limitations in sizes, from optics,
> practical or structural, exist for a telescope in space?
>

I think the cost of maintenance would be a barrier for a very large
scope. A large one is more likely to be struck by small impactors,
and these would mess up the optics and kind of defeat the purpose for
having such a large scope. You would need frequent repair trips and
possibly even a full time crew there to perform maintenance. Of
course good robotics could do most of the more routine work

doug