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Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Servicing

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Description

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE. This notice is issued by the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to post a Request for Information to solicit responses from interested parties. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition. Background: The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) remains a top astrophysical research facility in high demand (over 7:1 oversubscription) with 1000+ scientific papers a year (and growing), complementing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Roman Space Telescope (RST), and other observatories, with no replacement expected before ~2040. Hubble�s unique UV/optical capabilities provide critical insights across the entire field of astrophysics, including solar system dynamics, the formation of other planetary systems, exoplanet atmospheres, cataclysmic phenomena throughout the universe, temperature and chemistry throughout and between galaxies, the life cycles of stars and evolution of galaxies. Extending the scientific life of HST will extend the availability of its unique capabilities until the potential replacement, Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), is operational. In addition, an on-orbit servicing activity to enhance the performance of the observatory or increase its resilience to the effects of aging will help minimize or eliminate the time gap between the existence of the HST capabilities and those of HWO. Lifetime analysis performed in July 2026 identified a 10% probability of reentry by September 2032, and 50% probability by December 2033. HST does not have a propulsion system and, without a servicing action, will ultimately experience an uncontrolled reentry. Mission Options NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for a potential requirement for orbital altitude increase, on-orbit servicing, and/or orbital disposal or controlled reentry for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Information is sought about current and near-term capabilities to perform one or more of the following mission options: Develop, test, and operate a servicing vehicle capable of capturing the HST in low earth orbit and boosting it to at least 600 km Develop, test, and operate a servicing mission to HST to enhance its ongoing performance and increase its resilience and expected on-orbit lifetime Develop, test, and operate a mission to HST to perform a controlled reentry disposal. The requirement includes that the boost and/or servicing mission must not harm the HST and that this mission is expected to occur by 2032. GSFC would provide technical information about the HST, technical consultation with GSFC HST experts, and coordinated HST operations to facilitate rendezvous, capture, boost, servicing, and/or controlled reentry. The contractor would be expected to provide all other resources (…