NASA Seeks Industry Input to Save Hubble Space Telescope
The space agency issues a request for information to explore options for extending the iconic telescope's operational life.
NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on October 29th, seeking insights into industry capabilities for in-space servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. This move comes as the venerable observatory faces a looming deadline for a potential reboost, with experts predicting that without intervention, Hubble will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere sometime between 2033 and 2034 13.
Hubble, which has been operational for over three decades, continues to make significant scientific discoveries, cementing its place as one of the most important astronomical instruments ever built 1. However, its current altitude is decreasing due to atmospheric drag, dropping from 362 miles (583 km) in 2002 to 292 miles (470 km) today 3. To ensure Hubble’s longevity, a servicing mission must take place by 2032, with a reboost to 373 miles (600 km) potentially extending its operational lifespan by at least 25 years 3.
The RFI aims to gather information about the industry’s ability to perform such a critical task, with responses due by November 30 3. This initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Hubble and ensuring that it continues to contribute to our understanding of the universe for many years to come.
What we know
- Hubble's current altitude is decreasing due to atmospheric drag 13
- It is predicted to re-enter Earth's atmosphere between 2033 and 2034 13
- A servicing mission needs to occur by 2032 to extend Hubble's operational lifespan 13
- Hubble has been operational for over three decades and continues to make significant scientific discoveries 1
- Hubble's altitude decreased from 362 miles (583 km) in 2002 to 292 miles (470 km) currently 3
- A reboost to 373 miles (600 km) could extend Hubble's operational lifespan by at least 25 years 3
- Responses to the RFI are due by November 30 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 78%, weighted across 7 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Hubble's current altitude is decreasing due to atmospheric drag, and it is predicted to re-enter Earth's atmosphere between 2033 and 2034. (87%)
- confirmed A servicing mission would need to occur by 2032 to extend Hubble's operational lifespan. (87%)
- likely NASA issued a Request for Information on October 29th to gather information about industry capabilities for in-space servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope. (73%)
- likely Hubble has been operational for over three decades and continues to make significant scientific discoveries. (73%)
- likely Hubble's altitude decreased from 362 miles (583 km) in 2002 to 292 miles (470 km) currently. (72%)
- likely A reboost to 373 miles (600 km) could extend Hubble's operational lifespan by at least 25 years. (72%)
- likely Responses to the RFI are due by November 30. (72%)
Sources
- NASA — NASA Explores Potential Commercial Servicing for Hubble Telescope
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/nasa-explores-potential-commercial-servicing-for-hubble-telescope/ - NASA — NASA’s Hubble Marks Way for Roman Space Telescope
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasas-hubble-marks-way-for-roman-space-telescope/ - Ars Technica — Think you can save the Hubble Space Telescope? NASA wants to know.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/10/think-you-can-save-the-hubble-space-telescope-nasa-wants-to-know/