As telescopes go, few if any are more famous than the Hubble Space Telescope. Over 30 years of operations, the telescope has been essential to groundbreaking discoveries that have fundamentally transformed humanity’s view of the universe. But like all satellites in low Earth orbit, it’s been gradually descending.
This happens because of atmospheric drag, and the Hubble Space Telescope is not equipped with a propulsion system to adjust its own orbit. According to NASA’s analysis, if left unchecked, the telescope will likely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2033 or 2034, eventually crashing back onto the planet.
Hoping to delay this conclusion, NASA has issued a formal Request for Information seeking proposals from the private sector for “in-space servicing” of the famous telescope. This would likely involve raising Hubble’s altitude to extend its operational lifespan, but the agency is also open to industry’s suggestions for managing a safe and controlled reentry or disposal of the telescope while still in orbit. Space companies can also propose upgrades to enhance the telescope’s functionality in its remaining years.
“Hubble is a national icon,” Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said in a statement. “Given the time we have until Hubble’s anticipated reentry, we are eager to explore the breadth of possibilities to boost Hubble to a higher orbit while we develop the flagship mission to follow.”
Photograph: NASA