NASA Seeks Commercial Rescue Options for Aging Hubble Telescope

After 36 years in orbit, the Hubble Space Telescope faces deorbit in the early-to-mid-2030s without intervention. NASA’s last altitude boost came during a Space Shuttle Columbia servicing mission in 2002. The final shuttle mission in 2009 did not include a reboost, and after the shuttle fleet’s retirement, Hubble has steadily lost altitude. Orbital dynamicists predict reentry around 2033 or 2034, with forecasts varying based on solar activity.

NASA has issued a Request For Information asking commercial companies to propose methods for capturing and reboosting Hubble to at least 373 miles (600 kilometers) altitude, conducting servicing, or executing controlled reentry. All missions must complete by 2032 and avoid harming the telescope. Contractors would provide the launch vehicle, servicing spacecraft, mission operations, and crew if needed. Responses are due November 30. Hubble has drifted from 362 miles to its current 292-mile orbit over 24 years due to lack of onboard propulsion. A successful reboost to the target altitude would likely extend operations by at least 25 more years.

NASA is conducting this survey with no commitment to fund any proposal, aiming to assess which companies have realistic capabilities, timelines, and cost estimates for completing a mission by 2032.