NASA seeks private firms' help to save aging Hubble telescope

NASA is looking for private space companies to help save the Hubble Space Telescope. The agency wants ideas for lifting the observatory into a higher orbit, upgrading its instruments, or bringing it down safely when its work ends.

Hubble has been in operation for more than 35 years and has produced many landmark discoveries. It is steadily losing altitude as the thin upper atmosphere drags on it. Without action, the telescope could plunge back into the atmosphere in 2033 or 2034, when it would burn up on re-entry.

NASA has asked companies to submit proposals covering three broad goals. One is to boost Hubble to a higher orbit, which would give it more time. Another is to upgrade its capabilities so it can keep doing science. The third is to dispose of the telescope safely once its mission ends, rather than leaving it to fall uncontrolled.

Why the orbit is falling

Hubble orbits Earth at a relatively low altitude, where traces of atmosphere still create drag. That drag slowly lowers the telescope over time. Engineers have long known that the spacecraft would need help or a controlled end in the years ahead.

It is not yet known how much any of the options would cost, or which proposal NASA might choose. NASA has not said when it expects to pick a plan.

Hubble's images and data are used by researchers around the world. Any decision on its future will also shape how space agencies handle ageing satellites that are coming down from orbit.