Ibadan, 28 June 2024. – Towards the safe and responsible deorbit of the International Space Station (ISS) after the end of its operational life in 2030, NASA has selected SpaceX to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the space station and ensure avoidance of risk to populated areas. The single-award contract has a total potential value of $843 million, while the launch service for the Vehicle will be a future procurement.
Since 1998, five space agencies, CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and State Space Corporation Roscosmos, have operated the ISS with each agency responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. As a result, the safe deorbit of the Space Station is the responsibility of all five space agencies.
While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission. Along with the space station, NASA expects it to destructively break up as part of the re-entry process. The United States, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of ESA have committed to operating the station through 2030. Likewise, Russia has committed to continued station operations through at least 2028
Speaking on the selection, Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said, “Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations.” Bowersox also added, “The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all. This decision supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth.”
