- NASA has contracted SpaceX to de-orbit the International Space Station (ISS).
- The ISS is reaching the end of its operational life cycle and is set to be de-orbited in 2030.
- SpaceX will receive $843 to build a de-orbit vehicle to handle the project.
In a few years the International Space Station (ISS) will be no more. This as NASA plans to de-orbit the ISS in 2030, with Elon Musk’s SpaceX winning the contract to do so.
The end of the ISS’ operational life cycle comes at a time when the US-based space agency is shifting to a focus on commercially owned “space destinations” as it terms it.
“SpaceX has been selected to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the space station and ensure avoidance of risk to populated areas,” NASA explained in a press release.
“Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations. This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth,” added Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA.
The agency also confirmed that SpaceX is receiving a single-award contract that has a total potential value of $843 million. The actual launch service for the US. de-orbit vehicle will be a future procurement, so SpaceX stands to bet a healthy bit of money for this entire endeavour.
“While the company will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. Along with the space station, it is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process,” NASA confirmed.
With the ISS having been in operation since 1998, and five different space agencies having controlled its operations in that time, it will be a sad event when it is officially de-orbited in 2030. Also of interest is what is planned to replace it in future, especially as geopolitical tensions and control of orbital routes is at an all-time high.
Several projects are already underway to succeed the ISS once it is de-orbited.
