NASA seeks industry proposals to extend Hubble's life or manage its disposal

NASA has issued a formal request for information seeking private-sector proposals to service the Hubble Space Telescope, Wired reported. Options include raising its orbit, upgrading its capabilities or managing a controlled reentry or disposal in orbit. Hubble lacks propulsion to adjust its own orbit, and atmospheric drag is gradually lowering it. NASA estimates that an orbit-raising mission would need to occur by 2032; without intervention, the telescope will likely reenter the atmosphere in 2033 or 2034. The agency is seeking industry ideas rather than commissioning a servicing mission.