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For Further InformationNASA selected SpaceX to build the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will guide the International Space Station safely out of orbit after 2030.
Image: NASA.
NASA, with SpaceX developing the vehicle; the station's safe deorbit is the responsibility of all five partner space agencies.
A dedicated spacecraft that will provide the capability to deorbit the station in a controlled manner.
Station operations are planned through 2030; the deorbit follows the end of its operational life.
Low Earth orbit, ending in a controlled reentry that avoids risk to populated areas.
A controlled end keeps the largest human-made object in orbit from becoming the largest piece of uncontrolled debris.
Agency solution · active (contracted)
The International Space Station is the largest object humans have put in orbit, and it cannot simply be left to fall. NASA selected SpaceX to develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which will steer the station down in a controlled way after its operational life ends in 2030, avoiding risk to populated areas. NASA will own and operate the vehicle once it is built.
Source: NASA, U.S. Deorbit Vehicle selection
For Further Information: NASA, U.S. Deorbit Vehicle selection
Want to go deeper? NASA, U.S. Deorbit Vehicle selection has the full story and the latest updates.
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