NASA has a fine plan for deorbiting the ISS–unless Russia gets in the way
NASA is preparing to deorbit the ISS, contracting SpaceX for a deorbit vehicle. Russia commits to 2028, while others aim for 2030, risking cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Read original article
NASA is preparing for the deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia. Following the dismissal of Dmitry Rogozin, the former head of Roscosmos, the ISS partnership has stabilized, with Russia extending its commitment to the station until at least 2028. However, NASA's plans are complicated by the fact that Russia's participation is set to end two years earlier than that of other international partners, including the US, Europe, Japan, and Canada, who aim to maintain the ISS until 2030. NASA has contracted SpaceX to develop a deorbit vehicle to safely guide the ISS's reentry over a remote ocean area. The interdependence of the US and Russian segments of the ISS is critical, as both rely on each other for essential functions, such as power generation and altitude maintenance. If Russia withdraws from the ISS in 2028, it would significantly impact its human spaceflight capabilities, leaving its Soyuz spacecraft without a destination. The relationship between Russia and the West remains tense, with potential implications for the future of the ISS and international cooperation in space.
- NASA is planning the deorbiting of the ISS, with a contract awarded to SpaceX for a deorbit vehicle.
- Russia has committed to the ISS until 2028, while other partners aim for 2030, creating a potential gap in cooperation.
- The US and Russian segments of the ISS are interdependent for critical operations.
- Russia's withdrawal from the ISS could severely impact its human spaceflight program.
- Geopolitical tensions may affect future collaboration in space exploration.
Related
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.
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.
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.
The International Space Station Transition Plan
The International Space Station Transition Plan by NASA focuses on transitioning operations to commercial destinations in the next decade. NASA plans to deorbit the station safely and become a customer in a commercial low Earth orbit marketplace, prioritizing human missions to the Moon and Mars.
Former Space Agency Leaders Horrified by Plan to Destroy Space Station
Former space agency leaders oppose NASA's plan to destroy the ISS by 2030, advocating for its preservation and orbit raising to extend its operational life and avoid space debris.
0 commentsRelated
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.
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.
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.
The International Space Station Transition Plan
The International Space Station Transition Plan by NASA focuses on transitioning operations to commercial destinations in the next decade. NASA plans to deorbit the station safely and become a customer in a commercial low Earth orbit marketplace, prioritizing human missions to the Moon and Mars.
Former Space Agency Leaders Horrified by Plan to Destroy Space Station
Former space agency leaders oppose NASA's plan to destroy the ISS by 2030, advocating for its preservation and orbit raising to extend its operational life and avoid space debris.