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... The Hubble Space Telescope has long been a cornerstone of our understanding of the universe, unveiling awe-inspiring images and groundbreaking data about galaxies, black holes, and the origins of cosmic structures. However, the clock is ticking on this iconic observatory, as recent studies suggest that Hubble could be on the verge of its final years.
The End of an Era: Hubble's Declining Orbit
Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has reshaped our understanding of the cosmos, capturing stunning images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and planets. Its contribution to astronomy cannot be overstated. Yet, all good things must come to an end, and as the years pass, Hubble's aging infrastructure has led to its gradual decline. One of the most pressing concerns for scientists today is the deterioration of the telescope's orbit.
While Hubble was initially launched into low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 360 miles, it has since descended to approximately 326 miles, and it continues to fall.
In a recent update from the Hubble Reentry Tracker, researchers have estimated that Hubble could reenter Earth's atmosphere as soon as 2029, with a worst-case scenario indicating a reentry date as early as 2029.
"The solar flux levels are currently longer in duration and more elevated than previously anticipated, resulting in an earlier reentry forecast for the Hubble Space Telescope if no reboost mission is conducted," says the Hubble Reentry Tracker. ...
