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Hubble's slowly decaying orbit sets a deadline for NASA

Original: Gravity is a cruel mistress, slowly dragging the famed telescope ever closer to its ultimate demise with every day. Hubb

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.

Why now: Renewed attention to Hubble's orbital decay and NASA's options for extending its life.

Hubble Space TelescopeNASA

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• Gravity is a cruel mistress, slowly dragging the famed telescope ever closer to its ultimate demise with every day. Hubble is in no immediate danger of burning up in the Earth's atmosphere, but its time will run out in the early to mid 2030s unless its orbit is boosted. So NASA… · verge@www.urbanmind.net · 9

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