NASA weighs rescue mission for sinking Hubble Space Telescope

· Science · United States

NASA is exploring a plan to rescue the Hubble Space Telescope from an eventual fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere. More than 35 years after launch, Hubble is slowly losing altitude and, without intervention, could fall back to Earth as early as 2033 or 2034. The agency has not yet committed to a specific mission, but the scenario is now being studied seriously because of Hubble's continued scientific output. The telescope has remained productive long past its original design life, having been serviced by space shuttle crews in the past. Any rescue would depend on a spacecraft capable of reaching Hubble's orbit and either raising its altitude or attaching a propulsion module — capabilities now being developed largely by commercial space companies.

Why it matters：The fate of the world's most famous space telescope will test whether commercial servicing capabilities can extend the life of aging orbital assets, a question that also bears on the growing problem of space debris.

Key points

  • Hubble has operated for more than 35 years.
  • Without intervention it could reenter Earth's atmosphere around 2033-2034.
  • NASA has not yet committed to a specific rescue mission.

Sources (original reporting)

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