Space & Astronomy

Elon Musk has been tasked with destroying the space station in 2030

By T.K. Randall
June 27, 2024

Image: Elon Musk at the SpaceX CRS-8 post-launch press conference
Credit: Kim Shiflett / (PD) NASA It's difficult to believe that it has been 25 years since the first module of the International Space Station was launched.

A shining beacon of hope, technological advancement and international co-operation, the ISS has remained a fixture of humankind's off-world ambitions for almost three decades.

Like all good things, however, the space station will soon come to an end.

NASA has this week selected Elon Musk's company SpaceX to develop a new type of "tug" vehicle costing $843 million that will be used to drag the entire space station back down to terrra firma.This "de-commissioning" of the station will take place in 2030.

"Selecting a US De-orbit Vehicle for the International Space Station (ISS) will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations," said Ken Bowersox, NASA's director of space operations.

"This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth."

By the time the ISS is gone, it is likely that private firms will be in the process of launching their own commercial space stations into Earth's orbit.

NASA and its partners will also be moving to build a new space station in orbit around the Moon as part of efforts to enable manned space exploration of the lunar surface and beyond.

Source: BBC News

Tags: Elon Musk, ISS