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Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been awarded an $843 million contract to oversee one of NASA’s most ambitious tasks yet: the controlled deorbit and destruction of the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS, a symbol of international cooperation since its launch in 1998, has been a hub for groundbreaking scientific research in low-Earth orbit. But its operational life is set to end in 2030, marking the end of an era for space exploration.
NASA plans to retire the ISS in a responsible manner, ensuring minimal risk to Earth. After operations cease, the station will gradually descend closer to Earth over an 18-month period. SpaceX’s modified Dragon spacecraft will then step in, latching onto the ISS and using enhanced thrusters to guide it into a final descent trajectory.
As the ISS enters the Earth’s atmosphere, most of its structure will disintegrate due to intense heat. However, larger components are expected to survive re-entry and will splash down in a predetermined location, which NASA has yet to disclose.
The spacecraft tasked with this monumental job will boast six times the propellant capacity and four times the thruster power of a standard Dragon vehicle, a testament to SpaceX’s innovative engineering.
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “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. The ISS remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”
While the ISS nears the end of its journey, other space stations, such as China’s Tiangong, are ensuring the continuation of vital research and exploration in orbit.
This isn’t SpaceX’s first major contract with NASA. The company has secured numerous high-profile missions, including the $256 million Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, scheduled to launch in 2028. These collaborations underscore SpaceX’s pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration.
As the world prepares to bid farewell to the ISS, SpaceX’s involvement ensures the station’s legacy of international cooperation and scientific discovery will be honored with precision and care.
Source: UNILAD
