FYI: NASA has laid out a detailed plan for the final mission of the International Space Station, involving SpaceX in a unique partnership to guide its descent.
NASA Prepares for the Final Days of the ISS with SpaceX’s Help
NASA recently released comprehensive details regarding the eventual decommissioning of the International Space Station (ISS), envisioning a dramatic conclusion to one of humanity’s most notable space collaborations. According to the space agency, astronauts will remain aboard the ISS for as long as the orbit safely permits while the station’s gradual descent continues. As the end approaches, SpaceX will play a pivotal role in assisting with the controlled deorbit of the ISS, aiming for 2030.
A Detailed Endgame for the ISS
For the last 12 to 18 months of its mission, the ISS will descend from its usual orbit of 250 miles above Earth’s surface down to 136 miles. Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS program manager, confirmed, “We intend to keep the crew in space as long as possible to help maintain the space station and keep it healthy.” During this period, astronauts will work diligently, with only six months’ window for their final departure from this iconic space laboratory.
SpaceX’s Role in the Controlled Descent
SpaceX has been contracted to ensure the ISS retires gracefully. The private aerospace manufacturer will use a modified version of its Dragon spacecraft to act as a space tugboat. This spacecraft will guide the ISS on a controlled descent trajectory, minimizing risks to populated areas on Earth. NASA has allocated $843 million to Elon Musk’s enterprise for this monumental task, which includes outfitting the Dragon with additional engines, propellants, avionics, and power systems needed for the mission.
A Lasting Legacy Transition
Before the ISS exits orbit, important preparations must be made by Axiom Space, a private space contractor set to remove its segment from the ISS. Axiom plans to launch four modules between 2026 and the station’s end date, which will eventually form the core of a new, privately operated space station—Axiom Station. This move ensures that while the ISS may physically leave orbit, its spirit will live on in a commercial for-profit venture.
NASA and SpaceX’s landmark collaboration sets a precedent for future space operations, ensuring the safe retirement of the ISS while paving the way for new endeavors in commercial space exploration. As this chapter ends, it marks the beginning of another exciting era in space—a testament to how human ingenuity continues to reach for the stars.
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By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
