WORLDTECHNASA is racing against time to save the Hubble Space Telescope
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File:NASA-HS201427a-HubbleUltraDeepField2014-20140603.jpg / NASA, ESA, H. Teplitz and M. Rafelski (IPAC/Caltech), A. Koekemoer (STScI), R. Windhorst (Arizona State University), and Z. Levay (STScI) / http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2014/27/image/a/ ( image link ) / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NASA-HS201427a-HubbleUltraDeepField2014-20140603.jpgSource page
What happened
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.
NASA is exploring a daring plan to save the legendary Hubble Space Telescope from its eventual fiery plunge into Earth's atmosphere. Science News from research organizations Date: November 4, 2026 Source: NASA Summary: NASA is exploring a daring plan to save the legendary Hubble Space Telescope from its eventual fiery plunge into Earth's atmosphere.
NASA Considers Raising Hubble Into a Higher Orbit One possibility under consideration is sending a spacecraft to push Hubble into a higher orbit. 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.
Companies interested in participating can review NASA's Request for Information online . The agency is accepting responses until 3 p.m.
Why Hubble Could Fall Back to Earth by 2034 Although Hubble continues to operate in space, its orbit is gradually shrinking. The telescope travels through low Earth orbit (the band of space closest to Earth, where most satellites fly), where traces of Earth's atmosphere create drag that slowly reduces the altitude of orbiting spacecraft.