SpaceX Plans to Deorbit the ISS
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, recently stated that it’s time to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS). On the social media platform X, which Musk owns, he shared, “It has served its purpose. There is very little incremental utility. Let’s go to Mars.” Therefore, SpaceX is preparing to lead this mission.
NASA Awards SpaceX the Deorbiting Contract
NASA has awarded SpaceX a contract worth up to $843 million to deorbit the ISS, with work expected to begin no earlier than 2030. SpaceX expects the project will cost around $680 million, according to government documents. The company will develop a new vehicle, described as a “tug boat,” to push the ISS into the Pacific Ocean from space.
SpaceX Outperforms Competitors
SpaceX scored an impressive 822 out of 1,000 for its “mission suitability,” which evaluates the company’s business, management, and technical approaches. This strong score allowed SpaceX to surpass competitors like Northrop Grumman Systems (NOC) and AlphaSpaces, who received lower ratings.
The ISS’s Long and Successful History
The ISS has been orbiting Earth since 1998. Since its first crew arrived in 2000, astronauts from over 20 countries have visited the station. Crews from SpaceX, Soyuz, and Boeing are currently aboard the ISS. However, experts agree that it is time to deorbit the station soon.
Risks of Keeping the ISS in Orbit
Experts warn that keeping the ISS in orbit beyond 2030 could be risky. The ISS’s orbit is expected to decay by 2026, making mid-2030 the best time to deorbit it. As a result, SpaceX is ready to carry out the mission.
Musk’s Comments on the Timeline
When asked about the deorbiting schedule, Musk clarified that President Donald Trump ultimately holds the decision. However, Musk suggested that SpaceX could act “as soon as possible” or within two years, depending on political factors.
SpaceX’s Crew-10 Mission and Astronaut Returns
In March, SpaceX will launch its Crew-10 mission, which will deliver new astronauts to the ISS. Current astronauts will return to Earth as well. Additionally, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will join the mission after remaining on the ISS when Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft returned without them due to safety concerns.
Political Dispute Over Astronaut Return
Musk alleged that the Biden administration rejected SpaceX’s offer to bring Wilmore and Williams back for political reasons. He argued that SpaceX could have made it work within NASA’s budget. However, the Biden administration already arranged a return for the astronauts later this year.
NASA Denies Political Influence
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson rejected claims that political motives influenced the decision. He emphasized that safety concerns, not politics, were the driving factors behind the decision-making process.
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