Reported by ScienceDaily
NASA is investigating whether private space companies could help extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has spent more than 35 years transforming our understanding of the universe.
On October 29, the agency issued a Request for Information seeking details about commercial technologies that could be used to service Hubble while it remains in orbit. The goal is to determine whether new spacecraft capabilities could keep the iconic observatory operating longer, improve its performance, or help bring its mission to a safe conclusion.
"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," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "If there are innovative and cost-effective ways to extend the life of an asset already on orbit, we owe it to the American taxpayer and the scientific community to explore them. Extending Hubble's life would mean more discoveries, more science, and more opportunities to expand our understanding of the universe."
More from the original report
One possibility under consideration is sending a spacecraft to push Hubble into a higher orbit. This could counteract the gradual loss of altitude that threatens the telescope's future and potentially allow it to continue making scientific discoveries for additional years.
NASA is also interested in missions that could service the telescope and improve its capabilities. Another option would focus on safely retiring Hubble when its scientific work is complete, either by guiding it through a controlled descent into Earth's atmosphere or arranging for its disposal in orbit.
These possibilities are being explored rather than formally approved. By reaching out to commercial companies, NASA hopes to better understand what technologies are available and whether they could provide practical, affordable solutions.
"Hubble is a national icon that has fundamentally changed how humanity views our universe for more than 35 years," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Commercial industry has rapidly evolved in recent years to offer new capabilities for in-space satellite capture and servicing. Given the time we have until Hubble's anticipated re-entry, we are eager to explore the breadth…