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US — Ars Technica

Once again, NASA is asking for ideas to rescue Hubble from certain death

Space1 min read

NASA is asking private companies for ideas to save the Hubble Space Telescope from falling back to Earth. Hubble is losing height and could re-enter the atmosphere in the early-to-mid 2030s if nothing is done.

NASA wants rescue ideas

NASA has released a Request For Information, which is a call asking companies what they could do. The agency wants ideas for lifting Hubble to a higher orbit, repairing or upgrading it, or guiding it down safely. Companies have until November 30 to reply. NASA has not agreed to buy any rescue mission yet.

Key numbers

  • Hubble has been in orbit for 36 years.
  • NASA's target is to lift Hubble to at least 373 miles (600 km).
  • Hubble's current orbit is about 292 miles (470 km) above Earth.
  • Hubble was at 362 miles (583 km) in 2002, so it has dropped about 70 miles (113 km) since then.
  • Without help, Hubble is expected to fall back to Earth in 2033 or 2034.

Why Hubble is falling

Hubble has no engines of its own, so it cannot push itself higher. Space Shuttle missions raised its orbit in 2002, but the last shuttle repair trip in 2009 did not raise it. The shuttle fleet retired in 2011. Since then, the thin air high above Earth has slowly pulled Hubble lower.

Why it matters

Hubble is one of the most famous science tools ever built. Saving it, or guiding it down safely, would keep it useful for scientists. A rescue would also show whether private companies can handle hard jobs in space. If a rescue is a success, Hubble could keep working for at least 25 more years.

What to watch

  • Which companies reply to NASA by November 30.
  • How much a rescue mission would cost.
  • Whether any company has a realistic plan to reach Hubble in time.
  • Changes in solar activity, which can change when Hubble will re-enter.

Glossary

orbit
The curved path a spacecraft follows around Earth.
Space Shuttle
A reusable NASA spaceship that flew from 1981 to 2011 and carried crews and equipment to orbit.

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