NASA has chosen SpaceX to create and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle.
This vehicle will safely bring down the space station when its mission ends.
While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take over ownership and operate it for its mission.
In a pivotal move for the future of space exploration, NASA has entrusted SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, with a crucial mission: developing a Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS). This decision seems to come in the wake of recent challenges, including issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, highlighting the importance of reliable solutions for the future of space exploration and human presence in orbit.
Let’s take a look at the details.
Also read: NASA astronauts stuck on space station due to Starliner issues: All you need to know
We have selected @SpaceX to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle and prepare for a safe and responsible deorbit of the @Space_Station after the end of its operational life in 2030. Learn more: https://t.co/ogAhEazBpt pic.twitter.com/5pyBPfobkp
— NASA (@NASA) June 26, 2024
NASA is working on advancing science, education, and technology in low Earth orbit to benefit humanity, while also planning to explore deeper into space, like the Moon and Mars. As NASA shifts towards using privately owned space stations nearby, it’s important to plan how the International Space Station will be safely brought back to Earth when it finishes its work around 2030.
NASA has chosen SpaceX to create and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This vehicle will safely bring down the space station when its mission ends, preventing any risk to populated areas.
Also read: NASA alert! Here’s when a ‘never-before-detected’ asteroid would hit Earth
While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take over ownership and operate it for its mission. This includes safely bringing down the space station, which is expected to break up during re-entry.
Since 1998, five space agencies—the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and State Space Corporation Roscosmos—have operated the International Space Station (ISS).
Each agency manages and controls the hardware it provides, with the station designed for interdependence on contributions from all partners. The United States, Japan, Canada, and ESA countries have committed to operating the ISS until 2030, while Russia plans to continue its involvement at least through 2028. The safe deorbit of the International Space Station is the responsibility of all five space agencies.
“The contract awarded for developing the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a potential value of $843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured in the future,” NASA said.
Follow Us
Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
