posted 12-22-2022 01:03 PM               

NASA is seeking interest in demonstrating commercial capabilities to re-boost the orbit of a satellite and is considering utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) for a demonstration in the next few years. Partner(s) would be expected to participate and undertake this mission on a no-exchange-of-funds basis.

Should NASA decide to pursue this demonstration, GSFC would provide technical information and technical consultation with GSFC HST experts to facilitate rendezvous, docking, and reboost. Partner(s) would be expected to provide all other resources (including the launch vehicle, spacecraft, crew if applicable to the approach, and mission operations except for HST operations during the mission) necessary to successfully perform the demonstration.

Partners must be U.S. based entities.

posted 05-15-2023 09:10 AM               

The two companies proposed working together to attach a vehicle to the telescope and raise its orbit. Their concept involved using technologies Astroscale is developing to dock with and extend the life of satellites and orbital transfer vehicles from Momentus.

In the proposal, a Momentus orbital service vehicle, launched on a small launch vehicle, would approach Hubble, attaching to it with Astroscale’s technology. The vehicle would boost Hubble’s orbit, currently at an altitude of about 527 kilometers, by 50 kilometers before undocking. The vehicle could then be used to remove orbital debris in orbits approaching Hubble. ...

NASA, in the RFI, said it expected any companies that it might later select to reboost Hubble to do so "on a no-exchange-of-funds basis." NASA would not procure a reboost mission but said the mission could be a demonstration of satellite servicing capabilities that might attract other, paying commercial or government customers.

A NASA spokesperson told SpaceNews May 12 that the agency received eight responses to the RFI, which are currently being reviewed. It did not disclose who submitted the responses, and Astroscale and Momentus are the only companies that have publicized their response.

NASA emphasized that the RFI is simply an effort to help the agency determine whether and how to reboost Hubble's orbit. "The responses to the RFI are not proposals, but rather information for the government to consider as it determines any next steps."