NASA is exploring partnerships with private companies to extend the operational life of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been delivering major scientific discoveries for more than 35 years. The agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) on October 29 to assess industry capabilities in satellite servicing and other in-space operations.
The initiative aims to identify commercial solutions that could help maintain Hubble’s scientific capabilities and extend its time in orbit. NASA is seeking industry interest in 3 potential areas: raising the telescope to a higher orbit, servicing it to improve or maintain its capabilities, and carrying out a safe, controlled atmospheric re-entry or orbital disposal at the end of its mission.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency wants to explore practical and cost-effective ways to extend the life of valuable space assets already in orbit. He noted that keeping Hubble operational could enable further discoveries and expand scientific understanding of the universe.
Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, highlighted the telescope’s contribution to astronomy and the growing capabilities of the commercial space sector.
“Hubble is a national icon that has fundamentally changed how humanity views our universe for more than 35 years,” Fox said. She added that NASA is keen to assess available commercial solutions while developing the next flagship mission expected to follow Hubble.
The request comes as Hubble’s orbital altitude continues to decline due to atmospheric drag. Like other spacecraft in low Earth orbit, the telescope gradually loses altitude over time. Since Hubble does not have an onboard propulsion system to maintain its orbit, NASA estimates that it could re-enter Earth’s atmosphere between 2033 and 2034.
Based on current projections, any mission to raise its orbit would need to take place by 2032. The agency is therefore assessing available options well ahead of the telescope’s anticipated re-entry.
The RFI is open for industry responses until 3 p.m. EST on Monday, November 30. Interested organisations can review the requirements through the official NASA solicitation listing.
The Hubble Space Telescope is a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the telescope and mission operations, with support from Lockheed Martin Space. The Space Telescope Science Institute conducts Hubble’s science operations.
The commercial servicing assessment reflects NASA’s efforts to explore new ways of sustaining scientific infrastructure in space while preparing for the next generation of major astronomy missions.
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