Time: 2024-06-29
The design of the deorbit vehicle that will be used to destroy the International Space Station will be based on SpaceXs Dragon capsule, according to Bill Spetch, operations integration manager for NASAs International Space Station Program. The destruction of the ISS, a monumental task, is expected to occur around 2031. The ISS has lasted longer than its initial design life of 15 years and is now aging, prompting NASA to take action to ensure safety. NASA will pay SpaceX up to $843 million for the development of the deorbit vehicle.
SpaceX faces the challenge of designing a deorbit vehicle that is suitable for the task of destroying the massive Space station. The ISS, weighing over 450 tons, is a complex construction project that required 42 launches to assemble. NASA has plans to operate the space station through 2030, with other space agencies agreeing to this timeline. However, the decision to destroy the ISS stems from the need to prevent future space junk collisions and ensure the safety of Earths orbit.
With the deorbit vehicle launch planned for early 2030, SpaceX will need to act quickly to develop the necessary technology. The company may need to adapt existing spacecraft or design a custom-built craft for the mission. Throughout the process, NASA will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure a successful controlled deorbit of the ISS. The collaboration between NASA and SpaceX highlights the importance of private industry partnerships in executing critical space missions.
As the ISS makes its fiery descent through Earths atmosphere, the world will be watching the final moments of the iconic space station. The controlled deorbit maneuver will aim to ensure the safe disposal of the ISS, with debris expected to fall into the southern Pacific Ocean. The destruction of the ISS will mark the end of an era in space exploration, symbolizing the transition to new ventures and technologies in space.
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