Brief
NASA seeks commercial proposals to boost or retire Hubble
The agency wants companies to outline how they could capture and raise Hubble to at least 600 km before it re‑enters in the early 2030s.
By Felo News Desk · Published
NASA released a Request For Information on Thursday asking commercial firms to propose ways to reboost, service or conduct a controlled disposal of the Hubble Space Telescope, which is expected to fall back into Earth’s atmosphere in the early‑to‑mid‑2030s.
The agency’s RFI seeks details on companies’ capabilities to capture Hubble, raise its orbit to at least 373 miles (600 km), improve performance or guide it to a safe re‑entry. The contract would cover launch vehicles, servicing spacecraft, mission operations and, if needed, crew. NASA stresses that any mission must not damage the telescope and should be achievable by 2032. Responses are due by 30 November.
Orbital analysts say that without intervention Hubble will likely decay in 2033‑34, though solar activity could shift that timeline. A lift to 600 km could extend the observatory’s life by roughly 25 years.
Key facts
- NASA issued an RFI for commercial ideas to reboost, service, or deorbit Hubble. (arstechnica.com)
- The required new orbit is at least 373 miles (600 km) altitude. (arstechnica.com)
- Responses to the RFI are due by 30 November 2026. (arstechnica.com)
- Without a rescue, Hubble is expected to re‑enter between 2033 and 2034. (arstechnica.com)
- A boost to 600 km could keep Hubble operational for about 25 more years. (arstechnica.com)
Sources
- [1] arstechnica.com — originally reported as “Once again, NASA is asking for ideas to rescue Hubble from certain death”
