Musk's SpaceX contracted to destroy retired space station
NASA awarded SpaceX a contract worth up to $843 million to de-orbit the ISS by the early 2030s. Options considered included disassembly or transfer to a commercial entity. After the last crew departs, SpaceX will guide the ISS into the Pacific Ocean at Point Nemo. NASA aims for private space stations post-ISS, focusing on the Gateway platform orbiting the Moon.
Read original article
NASA has awarded Elon Musk's SpaceX a contract to bring down the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of its life, with a value of up to $843 million. The ISS, which has been continuously crewed since 2000, will be pushed into the Pacific Ocean by a vehicle built by SpaceX in the early 2030s. Various options for the ISS's end-of-life disposal have been considered, including disassembly or handing it off to a commercial entity. The de-orbiting process will require a significant amount of thrust to guide the station safely into the atmosphere. After the last crew leaves, controllers will command the tugboat to execute the final de-orbit maneuver, aiming for a remote location in the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo. NASA hopes that private consortia will have launched commercial space stations by the time the ISS is decommissioned, with plans to focus on building a new platform called Gateway that will orbit the Moon.
Related
Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot faults in Starliner, stranding astronauts on ISS. Return window closing in 45 days. Issues include helium leaks, thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe return amid past setbacks.
Astronauts stranded, multiple issues w Starliner – return flight window closing
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot Starliner spacecraft issues, stranding astronauts on the ISS. Return delayed with ongoing problems like helium leaks and thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe resolution amid past setbacks.
Collins Aerospace pulls back from NASA spacesuit contract
Collins Aerospace steps back from NASA contract to develop ISS spacesuits, citing a mutual agreement to reduce work scope. NASA remains silent on the matter, raising uncertainty about finding a new suit developer.
SpaceX to deliver vehicle to deorbit International Space Station
NASA chose SpaceX to create the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS, ensuring a safe disposal after its 2030 lifespan. The $843 million contract supports NASA's space exploration goals.
SpaceX building NASA craft to destroy the International Space Station
SpaceX secures an $843 million NASA contract to construct the "U.S. Deorbit Vehicle" for the intentional destruction of the ISS in 2030. NASA plans to replace the ISS with private space stations.
1 commentsSpaceX to deliver vehicle to deorbit International Space Station https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40804856
Related
Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot faults in Starliner, stranding astronauts on ISS. Return window closing in 45 days. Issues include helium leaks, thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe return amid past setbacks.
Astronauts stranded, multiple issues w Starliner – return flight window closing
NASA and Boeing troubleshoot Starliner spacecraft issues, stranding astronauts on the ISS. Return delayed with ongoing problems like helium leaks and thruster failures. Engineers aim for safe resolution amid past setbacks.
Collins Aerospace pulls back from NASA spacesuit contract
Collins Aerospace steps back from NASA contract to develop ISS spacesuits, citing a mutual agreement to reduce work scope. NASA remains silent on the matter, raising uncertainty about finding a new suit developer.
SpaceX to deliver vehicle to deorbit International Space Station
NASA chose SpaceX to create the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS, ensuring a safe disposal after its 2030 lifespan. The $843 million contract supports NASA's space exploration goals.
SpaceX building NASA craft to destroy the International Space Station
SpaceX secures an $843 million NASA contract to construct the "U.S. Deorbit Vehicle" for the intentional destruction of the ISS in 2030. NASA plans to replace the ISS with private space stations.