The International Space Station (ISS) has been in orbit for over 20 years, and it's starting to show its age. NASA plans to retire the ISS by the end of the decade, and they're putting together a $1 billion plan to do it safely and responsibly.
The first step in the retirement plan is to develop a new spacecraft called the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV). The USDV will be a powerful tugboat that can attach to the ISS and pull it out of orbit. Once the ISS is out of orbit, it will re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up safely over the Pacific Ocean.
NASA has already released a request for proposals from industry to develop the USDV. They're hoping to have the USDV ready by 2026, so that they can start the deorbit process in 2030.
In addition to the USDV, NASA is also working on a number of other things to prepare for the ISS's retirement. They're developing new protocols for safely returning astronauts from the ISS, and they're working with commercial partners to develop new space stations that can replace the ISS.
Retiring the ISS is a complex and challenging task, but NASA is committed to doing it safely and responsibly. The $1 billion retirement plan is a major investment, but it's an investment that's necessary to ensure that the ISS is retired in a way that protects the public and the environment.
Why is NASA retiring the ISS?
Second, NASA wants to shift its focus to other space exploration priorities, such as returning astronauts to the Moon and eventually sending humans to Mars. The ISS is a very expensive program to maintain, and NASA wants to free up those resources so that they can invest in new missions.
Finally, NASA wants to encourage the development of commercial space stations. There are a number of private companies that are developing space stations that could eventually replace the ISS. NASA hopes that by retiring the ISS, they can help to create a thriving commercial space industry.
What will happen to the ISS after it's retired?
Once the ISS is deorbited, it will re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up safely over the Pacific Ocean. Most of the ISS will be destroyed, but some small pieces may survive re-entry and land in the ocean.
NASA has developed a plan to track and recover any ISS debris that lands in the ocean. They will work with the US Navy and other government agencies to ensure that any debris is recovered safely and disposed of properly.
What will the future of human spaceflight look like after the ISS retires?
NASA is hoping that the retirement of the ISS will lead to a new era of commercial spaceflight. They are encouraging private companies to develop new space stations that can support a growing human presence in low-Earth orbit.
NASA is also working on developing new technologies that will make it cheaper and easier to travel to and from space. This includes developing new launch vehicles and new spacecraft.
The future of human spaceflight is bright. With the retirement of the ISS, NASA is entering a new era of exploration and discovery.
