SpaceX Prepares to Deorbit the International Space Station: A Cosmic Farewell
Key Highlights
- NASA has contracted SpaceX for $843 million to safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS).
- The plan is to burn the ISS upon reentry and plunge the remains into the ocean, ideally by early 2031.
- SpaceX will use a specially enhanced Dragon capsule for this monumental task, featuring a record number of engines and fuel capacity.
Why Bidding Adieu to the ISS?
The International Space Station, a marvel of human engineering, is beginning to show its age. Launched in parts starting in 1998, it has served as a microgravity laboratory for over three decades. By 2030, the hope is for private companies to step in with their own space stations, allowing NASA to shift its focus toward lunar and Martian exploration. While the ISS could have its life extended, the transition to commercial outposts is intended to ensure that scientific research continues without interruption.
