NASA Seeks 2032 Commercial Hubble Rescue Proposals Before Nov. 30 Deadline
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Oct 31
NASA Seeks 2032 Commercial Hubble Rescue Proposals Before Nov. 30 Deadline
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Oct 31
Summary
NASA issued a Request for Information on Oct. 29 seeking commercial plans to raise, service or safely dispose of the Hubble Space Telescope, with proposals due by Nov. 30.
Hubble is steadily losing altitude and is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in the early-to-mid 2030s unless its orbit is boosted.
Interested companies must show they can capture Hubble, lift it to at least 373 miles (600 km), and, if possible, service the observatory without damaging it.
The mission is targeted for 2032, and bidders would have to plan it, provide and launch their own spacecraft, and supply any needed crew.
NASA said it is exploring cost-effective ways to extend Hubble’s scientific life after past shuttle servicing missions, including a 2002 orbital boost, are no longer possible.
With no budget yet allocated, will NASA's plea to commercial space companies be enough to prevent Hubble's catastrophic uncontrolled re-entry?
Is rescuing an aging space telescope the ultimate scientific triumph, or just a costly distraction from building a superior next-generation observatory?