NASA has awarded SpaceX $843 million to construct a vehicle designed to push the International Space Station (ISS) into Earth’s atmosphere for its planned deorbiting and destruction around 2030. Originally, this task was assigned to Russia’s thrusters, but under the new contract, SpaceX will develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. NASA will take ownership and oversee the deorbiting operation to ensure safety and avoid risks to populated areas.
The ISS, a football field-sized research lab primarily led by the United States and Russia, has been in operation for nearly 24 years. Aging components and increasing maintenance challenges have prompted NASA and its international partners to set a retirement date for the station in 2030. While the U.S., Japan, Canada, and European Space Agency members have committed to maintaining the ISS through 2030, Russia has agreed to remain a partner until 2028.The ISS has been a symbol of scientific cooperation, orbiting 250 miles above Earth, even amidst geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Despite uncertainties in the market for private space stations, U.S. officials believe a commercial ISS replacement is essential to compete with China’s newer space station. As part of its broader space ambitions, NASA is also racing to return humans to the moon, investing billions in partnerships with countries and companies, including SpaceX, to achieve the first manned lunar mission since 1972.
