It is also supposed to lead the ISS to its final destination when the space agency and its partners decide to decommission the laboratory in the coming years. The nearly $1 billion contract aims to create a solution capable of conducting operational missions in low Earth orbit for the private sector.
The vehicle, which will be produced by SpaceX, is expected to be operational by 2029 and could be launched as early as this decade. It will connect with the ISS, a colossal structure weighing about 450 tons and roughly the size of a football field, and will be responsible for maneuvering the space station as it is removed from Earth’s orbit. During the process, both the ISS and the deorbiting vehicle will enter the Earth’s atmosphere at speeds exceeding 17,000 miles per hour.
SpaceX, officially known as Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is a U.S. aerospace technology company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. The company has played a central role in transforming the space industry, achieving a series of remarkable successes and technological innovations.
SpaceX is known for developing reusable rockets like Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, which have significantly reduced the cost of access to space. This reusability has proven to be a significant milestone on the path to more affordable and sustainable space travel.
In addition to their operational efficiency, SpaceX is also recognized for developing the Crew Dragon spacecraft transportation system, designed for transporting astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). Crew Dragon made history as the first private spacecraft to transport NASA astronauts on a crewed mission to the ISS in 2020.
SpaceX’s ambitious plan also includes developing technologies for interplanetary travel, such as the Starship project, designed as a fully reusable spacecraft for missions to Mars and beyond. Elon Musk frequently expresses his vision of making humanity a multiplanetary species, and SpaceX plays a crucial role in achieving this goal with its innovations and continuous advancements in the space sector.
On Wednesday (26th), NASA announced that SpaceX will receive up to $843 million to develop the vehicle that will deorbit the International Space Station (ISS). The agency did not disclose how many companies applied for the contract for this important project.
The ISS is operated by NASA in collaboration with Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, which controls a significant part of the station, including the propulsion modules. Additionally, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency are also partners in the ISS operations.
In a press release, NASA emphasized that “the safe disposal of the International Space Station from low Earth orbit is the responsibility of all five space agencies.”
NASA did not disclose whether its international partners would financially contribute to the SpaceX contract for the construction of the ISS deorbiting vehicle. A spokesperson for the agency did not immediately respond to a request regarding this aspect.
SpaceX, for its part, did not respond to a list of emailed questions about the contract, which is typical for the company regarding media inquiries.
Previous NASA documents indicate that the launch of the vehicle is planned for December 2028, with the requirement that it must be operational by 2029. However, there is currently no final date for the end of ISS operations.
In the press release, NASA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the operation of the International Space Station until 2030, highlighting its significance as a crucial platform for scientific experiments and research essential for future ambitious space missions. However, Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has only confirmed its participation until “at least 2028.”
The station, located about 250 miles above the Earth’s surface, has continuously hosted rotating teams of astronauts since the year 2000. Given the rapidly advancing aging of the laboratory, NASA emphasized the importance of selecting a U.S. vehicle for deorbiting the ISS to ensure a safe and responsible transition of operational activities in low Earth orbit at the end of the station’s lifespan.
Ken Bowersox, Deputy Administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, said, “The laboratory remains a model for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”
NASA has long planned to transfer low Earth orbit operational activities to the private sector, the area where the International Space Station is currently operating. This will enable commercial companies to develop their own orbital laboratories, space hotels, and other enterprises.
In the meantime, NASA is focusing on deeper explorations of the solar system. For example, the Artemis mission aims to return astronauts to the Moon’s surface by 2026 and ultimately establish a permanent lunar base.
Additionally, NASA separately announced on Wednesday that it has terminated a contract for the development of new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits for astronauts to wear during spacewalks outside the station.
The iconic white space suits worn by astronauts during spacewalks were designed more than 40 years ago. Recently, NASA experienced a setback when it had to abort plans to remove a faulty electronics box from the station due to a leak in the spacesuit worn by astronaut Tracy Dyson shortly before the scheduled spacewalk.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NASA explained that its partner in the EVA suits contract, Collins Aerospace based in North Carolina, recognized that the development timeline would not support the deadlines of the station and NASA’s mission objectives.
As a result of these events, NASA decided to terminate the contract for the development of new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits with Collins Aerospace. This episode underscores the ongoing technical challenges faced by the space agency in maintaining and modernizing critical equipment for its space operations. The decision reflects the complexity of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Extravehicular Activities while NASA continues to seek solutions to improve and modernize its capabilities in space.
