“Hubble Space Telescope problem renews discussion about private rescue mission”
WASHINGTON, Nov 30 – The Hubble Space Telescope has been placed in safe mode due to a problem with one of its three operational gyroscopes, prompting a renewed discussion about the possibility of a private mission to reboost and potentially repair the spacecraft.
On November 29, NASA announced that Hubble is currently in safe mode following issues with one of its gyroscopes. NASA revealed that the gyro first triggered a safe mode on November 19 when it provided inaccurate readings. Despite efforts to restore operations, additional problems with the gyro occurred on November 21 and 23.
While engineers work to address the problem, NASA has not indicated when science operations with Hubble will resume. The space telescope can function with just a single gyro, although it may experience reduced productivity, particularly in the area of solar system observations.
Hubble, which has six gyros installed on its fifth and final shuttle servicing mission in 2009, has experienced malfunctions with three of the six gyros so far.
The latest issue with Hubble has prompted a response from Jared Isaacman, the billionaire backing the Polaris program of SpaceX private astronaut missions. Isaacman, who referenced a study involving SpaceX and NASA announced in September 2022 to investigate the feasibility of a private mission to reboost and potentially repair Hubble, has taken to social media to express his interest.
The study, conducted under an unfunded Space Act Agreement, was completed earlier this year. However, neither NASA nor SpaceX has provided details about the results of the study or any potential next steps.
Isaacman has suggested that the study concluded that a reboost and servicing mission for Hubble is feasible; however, he has not disclosed specifics about how such a mission would be executed.
In addition to SpaceX, NASA has received several responses to a request for information, seeking concepts for commercial missions to reboost Hubble, emphasizing that it will not fund such a mission but is providing an opportunity for companies to showcase their satellite servicing capabilities.
The agency has received at least eight responses to the request, one of which came from satellite servicing company Astroscale in partnership with in-space transportation company Momentus. However, NASA has not provided a timeline for completing the review of the responses.
While industry officials believe that a reboost mission of some kind is feasible, there is skepticism surrounding the ability to repair Hubble given the complexity of the work. Additionally, cost is a factor to consider, especially as NASA grapples with potential significant budget cuts in its science divisions.
As NASA evaluates its options, industry experts anticipate a decision from the agency on how to proceed with the potential private mission to reboost and repair Hubble.
For now, the future of Hubble hangs in the balance as experts work to address the current problems with the telescope, and as discussions continue about the best path forward for the iconic space observatory.