NASA issued a Request for Information on Oct. 29 to learn what commercial providers could offer for in-space servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. The agency is examining possible ways to keep the observatory operating for as long as feasible while preparing for its eventual end of mission.
The request seeks information on three potential types of missions: raising Hubble to a higher orbit to extend its scientific lifetime, servicing the telescope to enhance its capabilities, or carrying out a controlled atmospheric re-entry or orbital disposal.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency wants to consider innovative and cost-effective options for extending the life of an existing spacecraft in orbit. He added that keeping Hubble operational could support additional discoveries and scientific research.
Hubble has operated for more than three decades and continues to produce discoveries about the universe. According to NASA, atmospheric drag is gradually lowering the telescope’s orbit, and Hubble lacks a propulsion system to maintain its altitude. Current analysis indicates that the spacecraft will likely re-enter the atmosphere between 2033 and 2034, meaning any servicing mission would be expected to take place by 2032.
Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said commercial capabilities for capturing and servicing satellites have advanced in recent years. NASA is therefore exploring the available options for raising Hubble’s orbit while developing the flagship mission intended to follow it.
The Request for Information will accept responses until 3 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 30. Hubble is an international project involving NASA and the European Space Agency. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the telescope and mission operations, with support from Lockheed Martin Space, while the Space Telescope Science Institute conducts science operations for NASA.
Sources: NASA Breaking News.