**FILE** The Hubble Space Telescope is shown following its release from the space shuttle Discovery in this Feb. 19, 1997 file photo. The Hubble Telescope will be allowed to degrade and eventually become useless, as NASA changes focus to President Bush's plans to send humans to the moon, Mars and beyond, officials said Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. (AP Photo/NASA, File) The Hubble Space Telescope is shown following its release from the space shuttle Discovery in this Feb. 19, 1997, file photo. Hubble Space Telescope observations of exploding stars, or supernovas, were called an invaluable tool by researchers. Metro#MainNews#Chronicle#1/17/2004#ALL#5star##0421572145 The Hubble Space Telescope is seen above Earth after its release from the shuttle Discovery in 1997. Photo: NASA