Space

Once again, NASA is asking for ideas to rescue Hubble from certain death

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 31/10/2026, 03:38:23 UTC.

Briefings

NASA is requesting ideas to rescue Hubble from certain death as it will fall back into Earth's atmosphere in the early-to-mid-2030s. The observatory, which has been in orbit for 36 years, lost altitude after the 2009 servicing mission failed to reboost it. NASA released a Request for Information (RFI) asking for commercial capabilities to capture, boost, or guide Hubble to a controlled reentry at an altitude of at least 373 miles (600 km). Responses are due November 30.

Key points

• Hubble Space Telescope is expected to fall back into Earth's atmosphere in the early-to-mid-2030s if not rescued.
• NASA released a Request for Information (RFI) asking for commercial companies' capabilities to capture, boost, or guide Hubble to a controlled reentry at an altitude of at least 373 miles (600 km).

Context

The Hubble Space Telescope has been in orbit for 36 years since its launch, but it has steadily lost altitude since the 2009 servicing mission failed to reboost it. NASA last raised the orbit in 2002, and the retirement of the shuttle fleet two years later left no way to stave off eventual destruction.

Limitations

Responses to NASA's RFI are due November 30, and the article does not provide specific details on the capabilities of potential responders or the technical feasibility of the proposed rescue methods.

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