New Delhi

NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars. As the agency shifts towards commercially-operated space facilities in near-Earth orbit, it's vital to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner after its operational life concludes in 2030.

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NASA has announced that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This spacecraft will be responsible for safely deorbiting the space station, ensuring that it poses no risk to populated areas during re-entry.

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasised the importance of this decision. He stated that selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit as station operations come to an end. This decision also aligns with NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and supports the continued use of near-Earth space.

While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership of it after development and operate it throughout its mission. The deorbit vehicle, along with the space station, is expected to break up during the re-entry process.

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The International Space Station has been a collaborative effort since 1998, involving five space agencies: CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA, and Roscosmos. Each agency is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station's design is interdependent, relying on contributions from all partners to function. 

The United States, Japan, Canada, and participating ESA countries have committed to operating the station through 2030, while Russia has committed to continued operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbiting of the ISS is a shared responsibility among all five space agencies.

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The contract awarded to SpaceX for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a total potential value of USD 843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured separately in the future.

Currently in its 24 year of continuous crewed operations, the ISS serves as a unique scientific platform. Crew members conduct experiments across various research disciplines, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations that are not possible on Earth. The station has facilitated over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, with crews acting as the hands of thousands of researchers on the ground.

The ISS has become a cornerstone of space commerce, fostering partnerships in commercial crew and cargo operations, as well as commercial and national lab research. The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are instrumental in paving the way for future commercial stations, ensuring the continued advancement of human presence and scientific discovery in space.