NASA and SpaceX have signed an agreement to examine whether a commercial spacecraft can reboost the iconic Hubble Space Telescope into a higher orbit without using public funds.
Image credit: NASA ScienceUnder a proposal from SpaceX and the Polaris Program, technical teams are studying if a Dragon spacecraft could rendezvous, dock with, and safely elevate the aging telescope.
Image credit: NASA ScienceHubble has orbited about 335 miles above Earth since 1990. Natural atmospheric drag causes its altitude to slowly decay over time, gradually shortening its remaining operational life.
Image credit: NASA ScienceOver six months, engineers will analyze operational data from both Hubble and SpaceX Dragon. The study focuses on docking procedures and orbital mechanics required for a safe push.
Image credit: NASA ScienceNASA released a Request for Information seeking commercial capabilities from other companies. This non-exclusive study allows multiple providers to propose reboost models using different spacecraft.
Image credit: NASA SciencePushing Hubble into a higher, more stable orbit would grant the observatory extra years of operation. Extended lifespan means more time for groundbreaking astronomical observations.
Image credit: NASA ScienceMethods developed during this study could apply to other satellites in near-Earth orbit. Demonstrating commercial servicing capabilities opens new possibilities for maintaining public space fleets.
Image credit: NASA ScienceNASA currently has no plans to fund or conduct a dedicated servicing mission. When Hubble eventually reaches the end of its operational life, NASA intends to safely de-orbit the spacecraft.
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