  While space-based telescopes have had a part to play ultimately I feel that
it is telescopes like myself that have contributed the most to pushing the
boundaries of our knowledge. With current advances in optical engineering we
have the ability to create segmented mirrors of considerable size. The
scientific possibilities of a single 100m reflecting telescope are
considerable, for example, allowing for the detection of biological components
in exoplanet atmospheres. One such project was OWL, a project very close to my
heart and one that was sadly cancelled before it even began. In light of the
breakthroughs that such an instrument could have given the community I
recommend the cancellation of the OWL to be reconsidered and for funding to be
reinstated to the project.
