This is how NASA plans to destroy the International Space Station

Over time, everything ends up collapsing, even the International Space Station (ISS). It is nearing the end of its operational life. NASA began preparations to dismantle and dismantle it. So, The agency granted $843 million to SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company, has developed and built the Deorbit spacecraft that will be used to deorbit the International Space Station and return it safely to Earth.

US Deorbit spacecraft selected for International Space Station NASA and its international partners will help ensure a safe and responsible transition to Earth orbit. The decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for continued use of near-Earth space, said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, in a news release.

How will it be dismantled?

The International Space Station weighs 430,000 kilograms. The largest structure ever built in space. After completing more than 3,300 scientific experiments in close orbit within this laboratory and residing for approximately 24 years, The station is already showing signs of technological “aging”. Due to the many malfunctions, leaks and space debris around it, The end of the station was built in 2030.

Based on previous observations of other stations such as Mir and Skylab disintegrating upon re-entry into the atmosphere, NASA engineers expect that The orbital station will be divided into three stages. In the first stage, the solar panels and massive radiators will come out; then the individual modules and finally the main structure of the station will break away.

“Much of the space station can be repaired or replaced in orbit, while other parts can be returned to Earth for repair and relaunch. These parts include solar panels, communications equipment, life support equipment, and scientific instruments,” NASA explains. “However, the station’s major structures, such as the manned modules and lattice structures, cannot be repaired or replaced in practice.”

At speeds of over 27,500 km/h, in the worst case scenario, large pieces of the remaining debris of the International Space Station could fall to the surface of our planet. Thus, The agency’s goal is to target Point Nemo in The Pacific Oceanone of the most remote areas in the world and where there would be no risk of damage.

What will the mission consist of?

If building and maintaining the station requires five agencies, billions of dollars, and 42 different launches, the challenge facing Musk’s company is enormous. NASA will manage and own the vehicle and mission, not Space X. However, it is not known what the locomotive will look like, but it is known that the American Deorbit vehicle will be built by the company that owns the X and Tesla.It will not be manned to avoid any accident.

As the ISS approaches Earth and all crew and materials leave it, it will reach the point of no return and the tug ship, 109 metres long and weighing more than 450 tonnes, will kick in. This will latch onto it and pull it into the atmosphere.