NASA seeks private sector proposals to extend Hubble Space Telescope operations
NASA has issued a formal request for information to determine if private companies can assist in reboosting or servicing the aging Hubble Space Telescope.
NASA is exploring options to extend the operational life of the Hubble Space Telescope as the observatory continues to lose altitude. The agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) on Thursday, inviting commercial entities to submit proposals regarding the potential reboosting, maintenance, or controlled disposal of the instrument.
Launched over three decades ago, Hubble has not undergone a significant orbit adjustment since 2002. Following the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, the agency lost its primary method for physically reaching the telescope to perform repairs or altitude corrections. Without intervention, projections indicate the telescope will likely re-enter the atmosphere by the mid-2030s.
The agency is specifically seeking technical insights into private capabilities to elevate the observatory to an altitude of 373 miles, upgrade its existing systems, or manage a safe atmospheric reentry. Interested parties are required to submit their responses by November 30.
This initiative marks a shift toward public-private partnerships for long-term orbital maintenance. By leveraging commercial space capabilities, NASA aims to secure the future of one of its most productive scientific assets.