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The lifespan of the Hubble telescope is limited, but a billionaire is planning to save it. NASA is skeptical – looking to the past.
Washington DC – There is probably no other instrument that can convey the image of universe as much as the “Hubble” space telescope. Since 1990, it has provided countless images and scientific data that, among other things, have proven that the universe is expanding. But the lifespan of “Hubble” is limited. Originally exposed at an altitude of around 550 kilometers above the earth, it continues to sink due to atmospheric friction. Experts predict a crash in the 2030s.
The problem: Since the end of the “Space Shuttles” in the summer of 2011, there is no longer any way to repair “Hubble” or increase its trajectory. Again and again The space telescope is struggling with technical problems, but so far it has always been possible to get it running from Earth. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: “Hubble” will not last forever.
Billionaire wants to save the Hubble telescope for NASA with SpaceX capsule
In December 2022, the US Space Agency announced NASA to that the private space company SpaceX is conducting a studyto investigate ways to increase the telescope’s altitude. It later became known that billionaire Jared Isaacman was planning to save the Hubble telescope with his Polaris Dawn space program. Isaacman, the 2021 together with three other laypeople on a space mission lasting several days aboard the SpaceX space capsule “Crew Dragon” carried out further space flights SpaceX acquired and is planning the first private exit into space as part of the “Polaris Dawn” program.
Despite the potential cost savings for NASA, the space agency appears skeptical of the proposal. That sets in Report from US radio station NPR close, who quotes from internal Nasa emails. In particular, those responsible are apparently concerned about the risks of a spacewalk, which has never been carried out from a “Crew Dragon” capsule.
Isaacman wants to take the risk of a “space walk” – Nasa should use it
However, Isaacman emphasized at an event to mark his planned “spacewalk”: “This risk will definitely be taken.” His group will definitely continue with private spacewalks – NASA should take advantage of this. “I would say that is more than logical. It’s so obvious to do this,” Isaacman said.
On X (formerly Twitter), Isaacman made it clear in January that time is of the essence: “As the ‘Hubble’ orbit shrinks, there is only a limited amount of time to plan, train and fly a mission. I’m a little worried that the ‘clock’ is running out on this game.” He added: “In terms of crew, we would bring together people who would give the mission the best chance of success. I’m just worried that at this rate there may be no Hubble left to save.”
NASA has concerns about a private Hubble rescue
However, NASA’s concerns are not unfounded – the space organization knows what it means when astronauts die in action. The tragic accidents of the space shuttles “Challenger” and “Columbia” are deeply anchored in the DNA of the agency. One NASA study also shows that not everything always goes smoothly, even during spacewalks. According to the study, 22 percent of spacewalks between 1965 and 2019 had “significant incidents” or “near misses.”
There is also a risk that the Hubble telescope will be damaged during the mission – if the mission goes wrong, NASA could lose many years of numerous Hubble images and data. Two startups have also suggested that NASA save the Hubble space telescope. There is no decision from the space organization yet. (tab)