The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has significantly contributed to cosmic understanding through its images and data. Recent studies indicate the observatory may be nearing the end of its operational life due to orbital decay.
Orbital Decline and Reentry Forecast
Hubble's orbit has gradually declined from an initial altitude of approximately 360 miles to around 326 miles. According to the Hubble Reentry Tracker, the telescope could reenter Earth’s atmosphere as early as 2029. This accelerated descent is attributed to longer-duration and more elevated solar flux levels, which increase atmospheric drag. Once Hubble reaches an altitude of 248 miles, its reentry is expected within a year.
Efforts to Extend Mission Lifespan
NASA has previously undertaken reboost missions to extend Hubble's operational period. In 2022, NASA partnered with SpaceX to explore the feasibility of raising Hubble back to its original altitude. However, no official decision to proceed with this plan has been announced, and its future remains uncertain.
Implications of Hubble's Retirement
The potential retirement of Hubble raises questions about the future of space-based observation. Hubble has been instrumental in discoveries related to cosmic expansion, dark energy, and galaxy evolution. Its absence would create a void in the ability to observe distant celestial phenomena with comparable detail. Arpita Roy of Schmidt Sciences noted the technological advancements since Hubble, stating, "Lazuli is a very modern take on Hubble, with a larger mirror, swifter response, and different instruments."
Lazuli: A Future Space Telescope
Lazuli, a privately-funded space telescope project by Schmidt Sciences (founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt), is planned to launch by 2028. This project aims to offer a modern alternative, featuring a 94-inch-wide mirror and updated instruments designed for faster responses and improved capabilities. While not an exact replacement for Hubble, Lazuli's technological advancements are intended to address the observational gap that will be created once Hubble reenters Earth’s atmosphere.