NASA Turns to Commercial Space Companies to Save Hubble Telescope

NASA is seeking help from commercial space companies to boost the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope, which is slowly falling toward Earth and could burn up in the atmosphere by the early to mid-2030s. The agency has issued a request for proposals from private firms to extend Hubble's life, a shift from its traditional reliance on government-run missions. Hubble, launched in 1990, has revolutionized astronomy with its stunning images and discoveries, but without intervention its orbit will decay to a dangerous level. The move reflects NASA's growing partnership with the commercial space industry, which has already taken on roles in cargo and crew transport to the International Space Station. A successful mission would not only preserve a scientific icon but also demonstrate the viability of commercial servicing for future space telescopes. The clock is ticking, but NASA is confident the private sector can deliver.