SpaceX could help NASA extend the operational life of the Hubble Space Telescope

Only a few hours ago the images were released that (also) the Hubble Space Telescope captured the impact of the NASA DART spacecraft against the asteroid Dimorphos. This once again demonstrates how HST is an important tool for science and research and that its disposal could be a difficult loss to make up for.

As we know, this telescope has already well exceeded its estimated operational life and, despite having several problems, continues to operate in Space (in low earth orbit). Launched on April 24, 1990, it has been in operation for over 32 years with some update and repair missions by the Space Shuttle (which is however now decommissioned). The space telescope however, it could continue to operate if it were possible to reach it with a manned spacecraft, which seemed difficult until recently. To arrive “to the rescue” of the NASA was SpaceX who proposed a mission to extend the operational life of HST.

SpaceX could help NASA extend the life of the Hubble telescope

In the evening (Italian time) today a press conference was held in which they participated Thomas Zurbuchen (associate director of the agency), Kathy Lueders (leading the agency’s human space flight program), Patrick Crouse (project manager of the space telescope) but also Jessica Jensen by SpaceX e Jared Isaacmanthe billionaire who funded and participated in the Inspiration4 mission and who will participate in the Polaris missions.

As explained in a post, SpaceX contacted the NASA proposing to raise the orbit of the Hubble Space Telescope at no additional cost to the agency and within the Polaris missions (with crew). Recall that during Inspiration4, the maximum altitude reached by the Crew Dragon spacecraft was very similar to that of the space telescope which is around 550 km. What has not yet been experienced is extravehicular activity with this capsule. If the study proves feasibility, possible technical updates for HST are not excluded (but not even confirmed).

There NASA had already announced that it did not want to extend the operational life of Hubble coming to use it as long as it is available (according to the calculations it could arrive without external interventions until 2030, approximately). However, the inclusion of a commercial partner and the gratuitousness of the mission could change the agency’s mind. As stated in the press release “SpaceX, in collaboration with the Polaris program, has proposed this study [ndr. per estendere la vita operativa] to better understand the technical challenges associated with maintenance missions. This study is not exclusive and other companies may propose similar studies with different rockets or spacecraft as a model. “

Jessica Jensen (from SpaceX) added “missions like Hubble maintenance would help us expand space capabilities to help all of us achieve our goals of becoming a multiplanetary space civilization”.

Also according to what has been reported, it could take up to six months to collect the data useful to understand if this technical and technological challenge will be possible. Interestingly, the Hubble Space Telescope it may not be the only low Earth orbit mission that can be maintained with commercial missions (e SpaceX may not be the only company concerned). Will it really happen? We will find out soon.

Gift ideas, why waste time and risk making mistakes?
GIVE A GOOD AMAZON!