NASA and SpaceX Working to Boost Hubble to a Higher Orbit

NASA is testing the feasibility of using a commercial crew to raise the Hubble's altitude and extend its lifespan.

On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, and since then it has delivered some of the most amazing views of the universe. Hubble is the OG of space telescopes, even though the newest telescope is cool. The telescope is set to retire by the end of the decade, but only if the Dragon spaceship can help.

As part of the recent agreement, NASA and SpaceX will conduct a joint study to try and raise Hubble to its initial altitude of 373 miles. The Dragon capsule would be used to service the telescope. Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator, NASA's Science Mission Directorate, said during a press conference on Thursday that it was appropriate for them to look at this. We look at crazy ideas all the time, that's what we're supposed to do.

The atmospheric drag will cause Hubble to re-enter Earth's atmosphere sometime in the late 20th century. Since 2009, Hubble has lost about 30 kilometers.

The study will last about six months and will look at Dragon's ability to rendezvous with the Hubble Telescope. Jessica Jensen, vice president of customer operations and integration, said during the press conference that they are looking at all the different options. According to Jensen, the study could conclude that the servicing mission doesn't need a crew on board and only uses the spaceship.

The private space company is looking into using its Polaris Program, which is led by a billionaire space enthusiast. It would fit within the parameters of the Polaris program if the study takes us down a path where a mission is possible. The Polaris missions could begin as early as March 2023.

NASA and SpaceX have been cooperating on the space agency's commercial crew program, but this would definitely take their partnership to another level. In order to understand the technical challenges associated with servicing missions, NASA was approached by the company.

The Hubble telescope was serviced by NASA in the 1990s. In order to maintain and upgrade the telescope, five shuttle crews paid visits to it. NASA will send an end-of-life mission to the Hubble telescope to bring it down safely if the feasibility study fails.

George Dvorsky reported additional information.

There are two more private missions to the International Space Station.