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NASA hopes the commercial space industry can help save Hubble

SpaceNovember 2, 20261 min read

NASA wants ideas from private companies on how to keep the Hubble Space Telescope in orbit longer. Without a boost, Hubble's time could run out in the early to mid 2030s.

What happened

NASA is asking companies and other private groups for proposals that could extend Hubble's life. Hubble is slowly losing height because of gravity. It is not in danger of falling soon, but it will need a boost to keep working into the future. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency should look at every reasonable option to keep Hubble running.

Key facts

Hubble's time could run out in the early to mid 2030s unless its orbit is boosted.
NASA's Request for Information (RFI) is open through November 30 at 3 PM ET.
Hubble is not in immediate danger of burning up in Earth's atmosphere.

Why Hubble is slowing down

Hubble orbits Earth high above the air. Even that thin air creates a small drag, and gravity slowly pulls the telescope lower. Over time, this makes its orbit fall. A boost would raise the orbit again and give the telescope more years of useful work.

Why it matters

Hubble has taken many famous pictures and helped scientists learn about the universe. If it can keep working, it could make more discoveries. Isaacman also said that using cost-effective ideas to extend an asset already in orbit is a way to respect taxpayers and the science community.

What to watch

Which companies or groups send proposals before the November 30 deadline.
Whether NASA picks any ideas to move forward.
How much a boost would cost and how it would be done.

Glossary

NASA: The U.S. government agency that runs space missions and space science research.
Hubble: A large space telescope that orbits Earth and takes detailed pictures of space.
Request for Information: A public notice where an agency asks companies for ideas before deciding on a project.
Jared Isaacman: The head of NASA, who leads the agency.

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