SpaceX's Impending Demolition of the International Space Station
The Multi-Year Deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS): A Collaborative Effort
The International Space Station (ISS), a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration, is set to retire in a carefully planned and coordinated manner. The deorbiting process, scheduled to begin in mid-2028, will take approximately two and a half years to complete, with the operations concluding around 2030 [3][5].
This stepwise process will involve a series of controlled events, primarily managed by NASA, SpaceX, and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, in collaboration with other international partners.
Initially, from mid-2028, the ISS will begin to drift down gradually due to atmospheric drag [3]. In mid-2029, SpaceX will deliver a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), designed to provide the necessary thrust for controlled reentry. This vehicle will perform the major deorbit burns to reduce the orbit safely [3].
Meanwhile, the Russian segment’s engines will provide attitude control, aiding the deorbit maneuvers [3]. The final descent will be aimed at a remote, uninhabited region in the Pacific Ocean to ensure safety and avoid risks to populated areas [3].
The deorbiting process reflects an integrated, collaborative plan where Russia and the U.S. share responsibilities, leveraging their onboard resources and new commercial capabilities, notably SpaceX's USDV capabilities to perform the critical orbit-lowering burns [3][5].
As the ISS gradually reduces its altitude during the deorbit process, the deorbit vehicle will be equipped with advanced propulsion systems using liquid propellant engines. Once preparations are complete, the SpaceX deorbit vehicle will release itself with precision to avoid damage to the remaining structures [6].
After the deorbit, SpaceX and NASA will conduct a thorough assessment to verify the successful deorbit and safe removal of debris [6]. It's worth noting that NASA is also moving forward with commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space station initiatives to ensure continuity of crewed LEO operations beyond the ISS retirement [4].
Past deorbit operations, such as the Soviet Mir station, have informed this process. These operations involved carefully controlled burns using attached spacecraft to lower orbit progressively and target reentry zones safely [1].
In summary, the ISS deorbiting will be a multi-year, stepwise process involving gradual natural orbital decay, controlled burns by Russian engines and SpaceX's deorbit vehicle, and coordinated international management to safely retire the 420-metric-ton station by directing its final reentry over the deep ocean [3][5]. The chosen trajectory will usually be over the Pacific Ocean to minimize risks to people and property.
- The collaborative deorbiting process of the International Space Station (ISS) serves as a platform for blending science and technology, as NASA, SpaceX, and Roscosmos collaborate closely, bringing together their expertise in space and astronomy.
- Environmental-science students may find interest in the ISS deorbiting operations, as the reentry process could potentially provide valuable data on the impact of debris entering our atmosphere.
- Meanwhile, finance experts might contemplate the significance of the ISS deorbiting for budget implications in space exploration, considering the involvement of new commercial capabilities like SpaceX's USDV, which influence the overall cost of space missions.
