NASA has issued a Request for Information to explore commercial options to save Hubble, boost its altitude to 600 km, service it, or, if needed, carry out a controlled disposal, with responses due by November 30.

The RFI details three rescue options—robotic or crewed capture and ascent to about 600 km, servicing or upgrades to extend life, or a controlled reentry—without a firm budget or vendor selected yet.

The plan presents a 2032 completion target, creating a five-year window to select a winner, fund development, test, and fly, while noting that no budget has been allocated.

Contractors would provide the launch vehicle, servicing spacecraft, mission operations, and crew if needed, but NASA is not committing to funding or executing a rescue mission at this time.

The article contrasts ongoing private-sector activity and Space Force contracts with public funding, framing the funding environment for a potential rescue.

A crewed versus robotic approach carries tradeoffs: crews offer flexibility and improvisation, while robotic servicing lowers life-support risk and cost but adds mission complexity.

Potential players and interest groups include SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, Astroscale, Starfish Space, Katalyst Space Technologies, Momentus, among others, with proposals possibly combining elements from multiple vendors.

Respondents should describe technology readiness, risks, launch timelines, achievable altitude gains, and the lowest viable orbit for reaching 600 kilometers.

Nicky Fox notes evolving in-space capture and servicing capabilities and that a higher orbit could be considered while a flagship mission progresses.

Expect multiple responses by November 30, public vendor statements in December, NASA narrowing options after cost figures, possible funding in 2027, and a fallback to controlled disposal if costs prove prohibitive.

The inquiry signals NASA’s interest in industry partnerships and cost estimates but carries no commitment to undertake a rescue mission.

NASA emphasizes there are no commitments yet; the goal is to gauge interest, capabilities, and costs for a possible mission, acknowledging solar activity can affect reentry timing.