NASA Seeks Private Companies to Rescue Hubble Space Telescope
Private Space Companies Invited to Save Hubble Telescope
The telescope does not have its own propulsion system, making it increasingly difficult to maintain its orbit around Earth.
On October 29, NASA issued a formal Request for Information (RFI), inviting private companies to propose solutions to extend Hubble’s operational life. The proposals may include moving the telescope into a higher orbit, carrying out a servicing mission or safely guiding it back to Earth for disposal.
Aerospace companies have until November 30 to submit their proposals.
According to NASA estimates, there is a 10 percent chance that Hubble will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by September 2032. The risk is expected to increase to 50 percent by December 2033, meaning any mission aimed at saving the telescope would need to launch by 2032.
A potential rescue mission would require lifting the massive observatory to an altitude of at least 600 kilometres without damaging its sensitive scientific instruments. The selected company would be responsible for providing the rocket, servicing spacecraft and managing the mission’s operations.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said finding innovative and affordable ways to extend the operational life of satellites such as Hubble was an important responsibility towards American taxpayers and the scientific community.
However, NASA currently lacks the budget for a dedicated rescue mission and is relying on affordable proposals from private companies.
Previous Rescue Proposal
Isaacman has a longstanding connection with the Hubble telescope. In 2022, he offered to finance a crewed mission to service the observatory using a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
However, NASA decided not to proceed with the proposal in 2024.
With SpaceX planning to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft by 2030, experts believe the latest request could attract proposals from emerging space robotics companies rather than companies offering crewed missions.
Failed Robotic Mission Raises Concerns
The search for a commercial partner has gained urgency following a recent failed robotic mission in orbit.
NASA had hired a startup, Katalyst Space, to capture the smaller Swift observatory. However, the robotic spacecraft failed to reach its target.
With Swift now expected to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere in the coming days, NASA is keen to prevent a similar outcome for Hubble.
Unlike Swift, Hubble is considerably larger and heavier. An uncontrolled re-entry could result in pieces of debris reaching populated areas, raising safety concerns.
However, a previous Space Shuttle servicing mission installed a soft-capture mechanism on Hubble. The feature is expected to make docking easier for a future rescue spacecraft.
As NASA seeks affordable solutions from the private sector, the future of one of the world’s most important space observatories may depend on the ability of commercial companies to develop a safe and effective rescue mission.
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