NASA asks companies how to boost or save the Hubble

Hubble's orbit is slowly sinking, and it has no engine to fix that. On October 29, NASA asked companies how they might help. The options: lift it to a higher orbit, or service it to add capabilities. A third is a safe re-entry at the end. Responses are due November 30.

Hubble circles Earth low enough that thin air drags on it. Over time that pulls it down. NASA's analysis predicts it will fall back into the atmosphere in 2033 or 2034. So NASA says any rescue mission would need to happen by 2032. A Request for Information is NASA asking industry what is possible before it commits to anything. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said extending Hubble's life would mean more discoveries. Nicky Fox, who leads NASA's science missions, said private companies have rapidly built new skills in capturing and servicing satellites.

Keep reading — what to watch

Will a company come forward with a workable plan? Watch the responses due November 30. Then watch whether NASA turns any of them into a funded mission with enough time left before 2032.