SpaceX Tasked with Deorbiting the International Space Station
Musk’s SpaceX receives $843 million from NASA to destroy the International Space Station. (ISS) as its operational lifespan nears its end. SpaceX, the private spacecraft company controlled by technology mogul Elon Musk, has signed this significant contract to safely deorbit and dispose of the ISS.
The International Space Station’s Legacy
The International Space Station, the largest space station ever built, has been orbiting Earth since its launch in 1998 and has been operational with crewed missions since 2000. The ISS has been home to thousands of scientific experiments, investigating a wide range of phenomena from the aging process in humans to discovering new types of materials. It circles the Earth every 90 minutes, providing a unique platform for scientific research and international collaboration.
The Deorbiting Challenge
Despite the ISS being structurally sound, it must be safely disposed of to prevent the risk of an uncontrolled reentry, which could endanger populations on the ground. NASA’s Director of Space stated that selecting a U.S. deorbit vehicle for the ISS will ensure a safe and responsible transition in low-Earth orbit at the end of its operational life. This decision supports NASA’s plans for future commercial space destinations and the continued use of space near Earth.
SpaceX’s Role in the Mission
SpaceX will develop a new vehicle designed to latch onto the ISS and guide it out of its orbit. The vehicle will ensure the ISS reenters Earth’s atmosphere safely, traveling at over 27,000 kilometers per hour. The controlled descent will ensure the station burns up upon reentry, minimizing any risk to life or property on the ground.
The Future of the ISS
The exact date when the ISS will cease operations is not yet clear, but it is expected to happen within a few years. The project, led by the US and Russia with support from Europe, Canada, and Japan, has funding commitments until 2030. NASA hopes to have the ISS ready for retirement by then, marking the end of an era in space exploration and research.