GoKawiilNASA requests proposals from companies to reboost or safely deorbit Hubble
NASA has issued a Request for Information asking commercial companies to describe their capabilities for capturing the Hubble Space Telescope, raising it to an altitude of at least 373 miles, servicing it, or guiding it to a controlled reentry. The agency says any mission must not damage Hubble and should occur by 2032, with the telescope otherwise expected to fall out of orbit and burn up around 2033-2034.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
NASA is not committing to a mission but is gauging industry interest and cost, suggesting the agency wants options before Hubble's orbit decays further. A successful reboost could extend Hubble's operational life by roughly 25 years, preserving unique ultraviolet and visible-light observations that newer observatories don't replicate, though no shuttle-like servicing capability has existed since 2011.
- NASA issued an RFI seeking commercial proposals to reboost, service, or deorbit Hubble.
- Any mission must avoid damaging Hubble and occur by 2032, with natural reentry predicted for 2033-2034.
- A reboost to 600 km could keep Hubble operational for about 25 more years.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope — While Hubble's fate is being decided, you can still explore the cosmos from your own backyard with the Celestron NexStar 8SE. It offers sharp views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies, letting you connect with the same wonder that drives missions like Hubble's rescue effort. A great way to keep your passion for space exploration alive here on Earth.
See Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: science.slashdot.org — Posted, 2026-10-31
Published there as: “NASA Seeks Proposals for Reboosting the Hubble Space Telescope”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.