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NASA selects SpaceX to develop a vehicle to safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030.
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The US Deorbit Vehicle will guide the ISS out of orbit, minimizing risks to populated areas.
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The vehicle will be owned and operated by NASA and will be used for future commercial space destinations.
NASA has chosen SpaceX to develop a special vehicle to safely bring down the International Space Station (ISS) when it reaches the end of its operational life. The ISS is a massive space structure that has been orbiting the Earth for over two decades and is operated by five space agencies around the world. To ensure a safe and controlled deorbit, NASA has awarded a contract to SpaceX worth $843 million to develop the US Deorbit Vehicle.
The ISS has been a vital platform for scientific research in various fields, including Earth and space science, biology, and physical sciences. It has enabled over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, involving thousands of researchers on Earth. The ISS also plays a crucial role in space commerce through partnerships for commercial crew and cargo, as well as research endeavors.
Once developed, the US Deorbit Vehicle will be owned and operated by NASA and will be used for future commercial space destinations. This will allow continued use of near-Earth space for scientific and commercial purposes. The safe deorbit of the ISS is a critical step in the future of space exploration, and NASA’s partnership with SpaceX will help ensure a safe and successful mission.
