Hubble in a death spiral that could end as early as 2028 without a reboost
The Register
February 25, 2026
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The Hubble Space Telescope, a cornerstone of modern astronomy since its launch in 1990, is facing an accelerated decline due to orbital decay. A recent analysis by astronomer Jonathan McDowell reveals that Hubble’s altitude has dropped significantly over the years, with its orbit now well below 500 km from its initial position above 600 km. Increased solar activity has caused Earth’s atmosphere to expand, hastening this descent. Without a reboost mission, Hubble could re-enter Earth’s atmosphere as early as 2028, marking the end of an era for one of humanity’s most successful space science projects.
Hubble’s current state reflects both its remarkable resilience and the challenges posed by its aging infrastructure. Despite hardware failures and limited servicing missions via the Space Shuttle program, the telescope has continued to deliver groundbreaking scientific discoveries. However, its inability to adjust its altitude means it is now at the mercy of orbital physics. A reboost mission would require a spacecraft or rocket to propel Hubble back into a higher orbit, extending its operational life. While NASA has focused on other rescue missions, such as for the Swift observatory, the clock is ticking for Hubble.
The urgency of saving Hubble is underscored by its unique design, which allows for servicing in space—a feature that sets it apart from other satellites like Swift. Engineers left an adapter during the last servicing mission to facilitate future visits. However, political and budgetary constraints have hindered efforts to secure a reboost mission. Experts warn that without intervention, Hubble will face a swift decline, with its orbit decaying faster than anticipated due to atmospheric drag.
The potential loss of Hubble is not just a scientific setback but also highlights broader challenges in space exploration. The telescope’s diminishing budget and declining funding, when adjusted for inflation, have reduced operational capacity by about 30%. This financial strain, combined with technical limitations, threatens to end the mission sooner than expected, leaving future generations without access to its unparalleled
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Originally published on The Register on 2/25/2026