NASA has selected SpaceX to develop and deliver a deorbit vehicle that will empty the space station and minimise risk to populated areas on Earth on its return.
NASA says it is crucial to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbit of the International Space Station in a controlled manner after its operational life ends in 2030.
“Selecting a US 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,” said NASA’s Ken Bowersox. “This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth.”
While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. Along with the space station, it is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process.
Since 1998, five space agencies, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and State Space Corporation Roscosmos, have operated the International Space Station with each agency responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides.
The station was designed to be interdependent and relies on contributions from across the partnership. The United States, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of ESA have committed to operating the station through 2030. Russia has committed to continued station operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbit of the International Space Station is the responsibility of all five space agencies.
The single-award contract has a total potential value of USD843 million. The launch service for the US deorbit vehicle will be a future procurement.
