NASA posted a request for information asking commercial space companies whether they can service the Hubble Space Telescope.
Why now
The last servicing mission was STS-125 in May 2009. Hubble has no propulsion, and NASA puts its odds of reentering at 10% by September 2032 and 50% by December 2033. Uncontrolled, a reentry that big carries a small risk to people on the ground.
The options
A vehicle to grab Hubble and run a controlled deorbit, a boost to at least 600 km, or a mission to extend its life. It’s only an RFI, so no decisions yet.
My take
Hubble has given us 36 years of wonder. I’d love to see a reboost.
God Bless, and Happy hacking!
