When the International Space Station is decommissioned, sometime after 2030, it will be up to SpaceX to help NASA guide it safely to a fiery end. Think of it as a very high tech controlled demolition job in space.
NASA says SpaceX has been selected to develop and supply the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will deorbit the ISS away from populated areas. The deorbit vehicle needs to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process.
In 1979 Skylab’s re-entry didn’t go as planned leading to chunks of the space station landing in Western Australia. Skylab took longer than expected to burn up in the atmosphere, that’s why a deorbit vehicle is required for the 450,000 kg ISS.
The ISS has been orbiting the Earth since 1998 and hosted more than 270 astronauts.
“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 at the end of station operations,” aid Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
“This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth. The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”
There are five space agencies operating the ISS. CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and State Space Corporation Roscosmos.
NASA says the safe deorbit of the International Space Station is the responsibility of all five space agencies.
The deal is worth more than a billion Australian dollars.