SpaceX believes Hubble could be lifted using its Dragon spacecraft
If the idea of moving it into a higher orbit proves to be feasible, then the Hubble Space Telescope’s life expectancy could be extended.
NASA and SpaceX signed an unfunded Space Act Agreement (Opens in new window) to examine whether Hubble’s rocket launch using a Dragon spacecraft can be technically feasible and worthwhile for “commercial opportunities.”
SpaceX and Polaris Program (Opens in new window) suggested the idea to NASA. NASA decided that it was worth at least looking into. Thomas Zurbuchen (associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters) said that this study was an example of the innovative approaches NASA is exploring using private-public partnerships.
Hubble’s 335-mile orbit above Earth is rapidly decaying. It will eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The telescope’s lifespan could be extended by moving to a more stable, higher orbit. Even if NASA does not decide to fund the mission, the results of the study could be applied to future near-Earth spacecraft.
“Missions like servicing Hubble would allow us to expand our space capabilities and ultimately help us all achieve our goals of becoming a multi-planetary, space-faring civilization,” stated Jessica Jensen (Vice President of Customer Operations & Integration, SpaceX).
