NASA turns to commercial space companies to extend Hubble’s life

Hubble could remain in orbit only until the early to mid-2030s unless its altitude is raised, prompting NASA to seek proposals from private companies for a possible mission to boost the telescope.

2 Nov 2026

The Hubble Space Telescope is gradually losing altitude because of Earth’s gravity. Although it is not in immediate danger of reentering the atmosphere, NASA estimates that its operational future in orbit could end in the early to mid-2030s unless the telescope receives an orbital boost.

To explore possible solutions, NASA is seeking proposals from the commercial space industry. The agency wants to determine whether a private-sector mission could raise Hubble’s orbit and extend the telescope’s service life.

NASA says Hubble still has valuable scientific work ahead of it and that extending its mission could enable further discoveries and research. The agency is also emphasizing the need to examine approaches that are both innovative and cost-effective.

According to NASA, keeping Hubble in orbit longer would provide additional opportunities for scientific study and help expand understanding of the universe, while making continued use of an existing asset already operating in space.

Sources: The Verge.