GoKawiilNASA issues new call for private proposals to reboost or deorbit Hubble
NASA released a Request For Information on Thursday seeking commercial ideas for extending Hubble's life, including capturing the telescope to boost it above 373 miles, servicing its systems, or guiding it to a controlled reentry. Companies have until November 30 to respond, and any mission would need to happen by 2032 without damaging the observatory. NASA says it is not yet committing to purchase such a mission but wants to gauge industry interest and cost.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Hubble has lost altitude steadily since its last reboost by Space Shuttle Columbia in 2002, and without intervention it is projected to reenter the atmosphere around 2033-2034. This RFI suggests NASA is exploring commercial spaceflight capabilities, built up since the shuttle's retirement, as a potential substitute for the crewed servicing missions that once extended the telescope's operational life. The outcome could reveal whether private companies can realistically meet the technical and cost demands of such a complex rescue mission.
- NASA's RFI asks commercial companies for options to reboost, service, or safely deorbit Hubble by 2032.
- Responses are due November 30, with no funding commitment yet from NASA.
- Hubble is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere around 2033-2034 without any intervention.
Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-31
Published there as: “Once again, NASA is asking for ideas to rescue Hubble from certain death”
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