Focus on large telescopes constructed at the space station. Keep the shuttle form factor but greatly reduce weight and slow re-entry.
Regarding the shuttle; remove the requirement for polar orbit, reduce the requirement to return large cargoes, reduce net haulage. Then carry extra retro fuel reducing the return energy. Retro a much lighter shuttle to a much lower re-entry speed. The same solid rocket booster is OK for manned shuttle and automated cargo shuttle, separating risk and further reducing manned shuttle cargo weight.
At the station construct large mirrors, 20 metes in diameter, using the weightlessness of space and automation. Look to the noise limit of interstellar dust.
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