SpaceX is building a ship to destroy the International Space Station. At NASA’s request.

NASA has selected SpaceX for the noble mission of completing the International Space Station, one of the largest collaborations between nations in history.

Durbit vehicle. SpaceX was selected for Developed and delivered to NASA A spacecraft that will deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner at the end of its useful life, in 2030.

SpaceX will receive $843 million for this unique contract, but NASA will be the one to take charge of the vehicle once it reaches orbit. SpaceX is also expected to receive a contract in the future to launch the new spacecraft.

Accompany the International Space Station on its fiery end. The ship, developed by SpaceX, will be used to “tow” the space station to a location far from any inhabitants where it will re-enter safely.

NASA expects the bulk of the International Space Station, as well as the deorbit vehicle, to disintegrate in the atmosphere during its expected return over the Pacific Ocean.

Over 30 years in orbit. Launched in November 1998, the International Space Station is a microgravity laboratory operated by five space agencies.

In addition to NASA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Russian State Space Corporation (Roscosmos) are participating.

Russia has committed to continuing to operate the station until at least 2028, while the United States, Japan, Canada and the countries participating in the European Space Agency have committed to continuing until 2030.

After the International Space Station. The appearance of several cracks in the Russian part indicates that the International Space Station has reached the end of its useful life, especially due to the fatigue of its materials.

NASA considered Raise the space station to a higher orbit To continue operating it safely, but he ruled it out because the same impulse could destroy his old structures.

Even if this does not happen, there are other reasons to abandon the project, such as the increased possibility of collision with space debris, and extremely high maintenance costs.

Commercial stations already underway will allow space agencies to focus on crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit, such as the Artemis program and future missions to Mars.

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