NASA Seeks Industry Help to Keep Hubble Operating

WHO:

Science Daily - NASA is seeking proposals from private space companies.

Science Daily - The Hubble Space Telescope is the observatory NASA is seeking to keep operating.

Space.com - NASA is considering options for the Hubble Space Telescope.

WHAT:

Science Daily - NASA is exploring ways to raise Hubble into a higher orbit, upgrade its capabilities, or safely dispose of it when its mission ends.

Science Daily - Hubble has made groundbreaking discoveries.

Space.com - NASA has asked industry for ideas about saving Hubble and extending the telescope’s work.

Space.com - Hubble is described as healthy.

WHERE:

Science Daily - Hubble could fall back into Earth’s atmosphere.

WHY:

Science Daily - Hubble is slowly losing altitude, and NASA is seeking ways to keep the observatory operating.

Space.com - Atmospheric drag is pulling Hubble toward Earth.

HOW:

Science Daily - NASA is asking private space companies to propose ways to boost Hubble into a higher orbit, upgrade its capabilities, or safely dispose of it after its mission ends.

Space.com - NASA is considering options to extend Hubble’s work.

(UPDATED November 4, 2026 15:08 UTC)

NASA is asking private space companies how to keep the Hubble telescope operating. Atmospheric drag is lowering Hubble’s orbit, though the observatory remains healthy. Proposals could raise its orbit, upgrade its capabilities, or safely end its mission.