Elon Musk’s SpaceX company has gotten an $843 million contract from the US space agency NASA, to manufacture a vehicle, that will transfer the International Space Station (ISS) to its resting place in the Pacific Ocean via Earth’s atmosphere.
According to the contract, spaceX has been chosen to manufacture and deliver ‘US Deorbit Vehicle’, which will possess capability to deorbit space station and avoid populated areas. The operation life of its vehicle will come to an end in the year 2030.
Making an announcement, NASA’s associate administrator Ken Bowersox said,
‘Selecting a US Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help Nasa and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations. This decision also supports Nasa’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth.’
As per the contract, Musk company will manufacture deorbit spacecraft and NASA will acquire its ownership after its construction and will operate in its whole mission.
Meanwhile, NASA predict phased disintegration of ISS during its entry into earth’s atmosphere.
This process is anticipated to take place in three stages:-
- First, the solar arrays and radiators will get detached, for the maintenance of station’s temperature.
- Second, individual modules will be isolated from station’s backbone structure.
- And then, the station’s backbone structure and modules itself will be destroyed.
In addition, it is predicted that significant materials will not exist upon re-entry, but it said, that bigger materials will not vaporize.
Brief Information On ISS
ISS (International Space Station) refers to a large space station, which weighs around 430,000 kilograms (950,000 pounds).
This structure is a biggest humanmade object, which currently orbits the earth. This station displays a collaborative effort of 5 countries- United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia.
These countries deal with the management of hardware it provides to ISS. However, many elements of this station are functioning beyond its lifespan.
As a result, USA along with other partner countries wants to keep the operation running till 2030. While Russia intends to keep its commitment till 2028.