Hubble

Cosmologists are revisiting the so-called Hubble tension: local distance-ladder measurements put the expansion rate of the universe near 73 km/s/Mpc, while early-universe data interpreted through the standard ΛCDM model give roughly 67–68. New JWST observations have reduced some suspected systematic errors in local measurements, but the discrepancy persists, keeping the question of whether new physics is needed open.

The Hubble Space Telescope has released an image of Arp 23, also known as NGC 4618, a barred spiral galaxy notable for having only a single arm. The galaxy is about one third the diameter of the Milky Way, and astronomers suggest its unusual shape may result from gravitational interactions with its neighbouring galaxy NGC 4625. Space enthusiasts are sharing and discussing the striking image.

NASA is asking private companies for help as its aging space telescopes fall out of orbit. The Swift telescope is already plummeting toward Earth, and Hubble is expected to follow within a few years. According to reports, the agency lacks the funds and vehicles for a rescue mission, so it is seeking private support to deorbit or salvage the iconic observatories.

A composite image of the spiral galaxy M66, also known as Arp 16, combines X-ray data from the Chandra observatory in blue, infrared observations from Spitzer in red, and visible light from Hubble and the Very Large Telescope in yellow. The inset highlights a bright central X-ray source, likely material falling onto a supermassive black hole at the galaxy's core.

NASA has issued a call for proposals on how to rescue the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been gradually losing altitude since its last servicing mission in 2009. The space agency is soliciting ideas from companies and the public on ways to boost the observatory into a higher orbit or otherwise extend its working life. Comments focus on what a private mission could achieve and whether Hubble's science output justifies the cost and risk of a rescue effort.

The Hubble Space Telescope is gradually losing altitude as gravity drags it toward Earth, and without help it will reenter the atmosphere in the early to mid 2030s. NASA faces a decision on whether to boost the observatory's orbit or let the famed telescope end its decades-long run. Observers note there is no immediate danger, but the clock is ticking on one of astronomy's most iconic instruments.

NASA is looking to the commercial space industry for ways to service or boost the aging Hubble Space Telescope, which has been gradually losing altitude since its last astronaut servicing mission in 2009. The agency wants private companies, such as those already flying cargo and crew to orbit, to propose methods to extend the observatory's life. The move marks a shift from relying solely on NASA's own human spaceflight programs.

NASA reports that the Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered a case of missing oxygen in dwarf galaxies near the Milky Way, a finding announced via NASA Science. Oxygen is a key tracer of star formation and galactic evolution, so its apparent absence in these small galaxies raises fresh questions about how they form stars and lose or retain heavy elements. Details of the observations and possible explanations remain limited so far, with astronomers expected to weigh in as more information emerges.

NASA announced it is exploring potential commercial options for servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, revamping interest in extending the life of the decades-old observatory. The idea evokes NASA's earlier partnership study with SpaceX in 2022, which examined whether a private spacecraft could boost Hubble into a higher orbit. Astronomers are watching closely, since a controlled reboost could keep Hubble operating into the 2030s rather than letting its orbit decay toward reentry.

NASA will examine whether the Hubble Space Telescope's orbit can be raised, after atmospheric drag caused it to sink steadily toward an expected reentry around 2034. The agency had previously shown little interest in a rescue mission, and the new study delays the telescope's likely demise. Observers note the effort would require a docking mission similar to the Space Shuttle's past Hubble servicing flights.

NASA's Hubble and James Webb space telescopes have together observed pristine bodies in the outer solar system that have remained unchanged since its formation billions of years ago. Researchers describe these objects as time capsules, offering a rare window into the conditions of the early solar system and the raw material from which planets formed.

NASA is once again asking the public and private companies for proposals on how to rescue the Hubble Space Telescope, which faces eventual atmospheric reentry and an end to its decades of scientific work. The space agency has put out an open call for concepts, reviving discussion about whether the aging observatory, launched in 1990, can still be serviced, boosted to a higher orbit, or otherwise saved from what the reporting calls certain death.

Hackaday published its regular links roundup for November 1, 2026, collecting short items from around the tech and maker world. The edition touches on the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA, and points readers toward the 2026 Hackaday Superconference, the site's annual hardware gathering. Readers are sharing the roundup as a quick scan of notable engineering and space stories of the day.

NASA has asked companies about the possibility of servicing the Hubble Space Telescope in orbit. On 29 October 2026 the agency issued a request exploring options such as raising the telescope's orbit and carrying out work to improve its capabilities. The move suggests officials believe the veteran observatory still has significant scientific value despite its age, and could keep operating well beyond current expectations.

NASA has issued a call for proposals on how to service the Hubble Space Telescope, seeking concepts from companies and researchers for a potential new servicing mission. The telescope, launched in 1990 and last visited by astronauts in 2009, has continued scientific operations, and the agency is exploring options to extend its life, possibly including private spacecraft.

NASA is soliciting proposals for reboosting the Hubble Space Telescope, whose orbit is slowly decaying and will eventually lead to uncontrolled reentry if nothing is done. The agency previously sought similar ideas four years ago, but that effort went nowhere. The new call is drawing attention from space enthusiasts wondering whether private spacecraft could raise the aging observatory's orbit and extend its scientific life.