Two start-ups want to save the aging Hubble Space Telescope for NASA. SpaceX is also working on a solution.
Washington D.C. - For more than 30 years, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has been orbiting the Earth, providing stunning images from the depths of the universe. It has undoubtedly opened up a new perspective on space for humanity and has had a significant impact on our understanding of the universe.
However, there is a problem: Due to atmospheric friction, the orbit of the "Hubble" telescope continues to sink. It is expected that it will finally burn up in the Earth's atmosphere in the 2030s. Since the end of Nasa's space shuttle program, there have been no more ways to raise the telescope's orbit. Now, however, two start-ups have agreed to help NASA save the space telescope.
| Hubble Space Telescope | |
|---|---|
| Start: | April 24, 1990 |
| Size: | 13.1 meters long, 4.3 meters in diameter |
| Mirror diameter: | 2.4 meters |
| Service missions: | 5 (last in May 2009 by the space shuttle Atlantis) |
Two start-ups want to save Nasa's "Hubble" telescope
Although the official successor telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, is already in use, the aging Hubble telescope is still used for research. "Hubble" orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 545 kilometers, and since its launch, the space telescope has already lost several kilometers in altitude. Last year, Nasa was looking for ways to raise the orbit of the telescope again - now two start-ups have come forward who want to work together to save "Hubble".
Momentus Space from California and Astroscale from Tokyo want to work together to bring the telescope into a higher orbit. Subsequently, space debris is to be removed from this new orbit so as not to put "Hubble" in danger. Momentus Space has developed a platform that uses distilled water as fuel. This is intended to raise the orbit of "Hubble". Astroscale, on the other hand, is intended to provide technology that will allow the platform to dock with the telescope.
Looking into the depths of the universe – This is how "Hubble" sees the universe
Looking into the depths of the universe – This is how "Hubble" sees the universe
"Hubble" rescue mission to be automated
The managing directors of both companies emphasize that the rescue mission would be automated and therefore would not pose a risk to people. "Even at 33 years old, Hubble is still able to continue its mission; the only reason for aging is the stability of its orbit," emphasizes Momentus Space's Managing Director, John Rood. Ron Lopez of Astroscale adds: "The need for a reboost for Hubble should be a major wake-up call for the space industry."
It has been known for several months that Elon Musk's private space company SpaceX is also working on a plan to save "Hubble". Not much is known about the plan yet, but the private program "Polaris Dawn" is said to be involved, suggesting that astronauts could be involved in the rescue. "Polaris Dawn" is funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who, among other things, has planned several flights with SpaceX's "Crew Dragon" space capsule. On Isaacman's first space flight, the capsule already flew higher than "Hubble".
This article, written by the editors, used machine support. The article was carefully reviewed by editor Tanja Banner before publication.
