With the stranded astronauts now safely back on Earth, questions arise about how much time remains for the International Space Station before Elon Musk deobits it.
The International Space Station’s historic journey
The International Space Station (ISS) has been continuously inhabited since November 2, 2000.
Over the years, 72 expeditions have taken place. Recently, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned after an extended nine-month mission.
Their journey has brought renewed attention to the ISS.
However, concerns about the station’s future are growing. The ISS is aging, and China’s Tiangong Space Station, launched in 2021, is seen as more advanced. NASA is now considering what comes next.
NASA plans to decommission the ISS
Despite planning expeditions up to Mission 75, NASA has confirmed that the ISS is nearing retirement.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has secured a major contract to bring it down safely. Decommissioning space stations is not new. Skylab and the Mir Space Station were deliberately crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
NASA initially considered preserving parts of the ISS. However, high costs changed their plans. Instead, SpaceX will guide the ISS to a controlled descent.
Elon Musk’s role in bringing down the ISS
In June 2024, SpaceX received an $843 million contract for the ISS deorbit mission.
The plan involves using a Deorbit Vehicle to pull the ISS into Earth’s atmosphere. Much of the station will burn up on reentry. Any remaining debris will land in the remote Point Nemo region of the Pacific Ocean.
Ken Bowersox, NASA’s Director of Space Operations, stated: “This decision supports NASA’s future commercial space plans and ensures continued low-Earth orbit operations.”
The ISS, weighing 430,000 kg, spans the size of a football field. Some experts worry about the environmental effects of deorbiting such a massive structure. However, controlled reentry remains the safest option.
The ISS is primarily funded by the U.S. and Russia, with contributions from Europe, Canada, and Japan.
Western partners have agreed to support operations until 2030. However, Russia has indicated its involvement will end by 2028.
Musk wants to accelerate the timeline
NASA originally planned to deorbit the ISS in 2030. However, Musk believes it should happen sooner.
Additionally, he has publicly stated, “It’s time to bring it down.” His focus is shifting toward Mars missions and creating a self-sustaining human presence there within 20 to 30 years.
Musk has suggested 2027 as the ideal deorbiting year. However, final decisions rest with U.S. leadership.
Musk wrote on X, “The decision is up to the President, but my recommendation is as soon as possible.
I recommend 2 years from now.”
Speaking to Forbes, space law expert Dr. Lieberman warned that retiring the ISS early could create diplomatic challenges.
Additionally, he also noted that the ISS remains a vital platform for international cooperation.
Not everyone agrees with Musk’s vision. Astronaut Suni Williams believes the ISS remains valuable.
“This place is ticking. It’s really amazing. We are in our prime right now,” she said.
However, maintaining the ISS costs NASA approximately $3 billion per year. Musk, known for cost-cutting, sees it as an unnecessary expense.
The future of space exploration
The ISS has played a crucial role in space research for over two decades.
Its retirement marks the end of an era. Yet, NASA and private companies like SpaceX are looking ahead to new space stations and deep-space missions.
In short, whether the ISS remains operational until 2030 or is retired earlier, its legacy will endure.