From WIRED · Ritsuko Kawai · · 1m 40s
Hubble is sinking. NASA wants to save it.
The famous space telescope is gradually falling toward Earth. NASA is asking private companies how to raise it back up.
In brief
The famous space telescope is gradually falling toward Earth. NASA is asking private companies how to raise it back up. NASA is seeking private sector proposals to raise the Hubble Space Telescope's orbit before it re-enters Earth's atmosphere in two thousand thirty-three or two thousand thirty-four. Originally…
Hubble is falling from orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope has operated for over thirty years but is gradually descending due to atmospheric drag. It has no propulsion system to adjust its orbit.
Reentry expected in two thousand thirty-three or thirty-four
According to NASA's analysis, if left unchecked, the telescope will likely re-enter Earth's atmosphere in two thousand thirty-three or two thousand thirty-four, eventually crashing back onto the planet.
NASA seeks private sector solutions
NASA has issued a formal Request for Information seeking proposals from the private sector for in-space servicing of the telescope. This would likely involve raising Hubble's altitude to extend its operational lifespan.
Hubble's gyroscopes are failing
In June two thousand twenty-four, NASA transitioned Hubble to use only one of six gyros. After more than three decades in space, only three gyros were operational, and one was returning abnormal readings.
Previous servicing missions kept it alive
Hubble was designed for astronaut repairs. Five service missions have been carried out since its launch in nineteen ninety. The last was in two thousand nine, replacing the battery to extend its lifespan.
NASA must act by two thousand thirty-two
NASA estimates a mission to raise the telescope's orbit must be carried out by two thousand thirty-two. If raised to a higher, more stable orbit, Hubble could continue observing the cosmos for several more years.
“Hubble still has important science ahead of it, and we should be looking at every reasonable opportunity to keep it delivering for as long as possible.”
The essence
NASA is seeking private sector proposals to raise the Hubble Space Telescope's orbit before it re-enters Earth's atmosphere in two thousand thirty-three or two thousand thirty-four.
