Hubble faces a risky future

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, is still functioning but is slowly descending toward Earth due to atmospheric drag. Scientists predict a one-in-ten chance of it reentering Earth's atmosphere by September 2032 and a one-in-two chance by December 2033.

Hubble’s value is immense

Hubble has become a symbol of space exploration and continues to provide critical scientific data. It receives seven times more observation requests than it can fulfill, despite its age of over 35 years. Its potential loss would be a major setback for science.

NASA seeks solutions

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has issued a request for information to identify companies that might help extend Hubble’s life. The goal is to compile a list of possible solutions, including capturing the telescope and moving it to a higher orbit.

Three possible options

The NASA document outlines three potential paths: raising Hubble’s orbit, performing a maintenance mission to prolong its operation, or initiating a controlled reentry. Any action must be taken by 2032 to ensure the telescope remains functional for as long as possible.

Challenges ahead

Previous attempts, such as the failed LINK mission to assist the Swift telescope, highlight the difficulty of such operations. A similar mission to Hubble would require careful planning to avoid damaging the telescope during the process.

Past attempts and future plans

In 2022, NASA and SpaceX explored a Crew Dragon mission to rescue Hubble, but it was later deemed too risky. NASA remains open to raising Hubble’s orbit if costs decrease. The current request for information is not a binding order but a step toward future decisions.