NASA’s $1 Billion Plan to Retire the ISS

September 29, 2023

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique space station in lower Earth orbit, serving as a collaborative platform for five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA. It is not only the largest artificial object in space but also the largest satellite in low Earth orbit. Often visible from Earth’s surface, the ISS has been a hub for various scientific endeavors.

NASA’s Retirement Plan

Recently, NASA unveiled its plan to retire the ISS and bring it back to Earth, a monumental endeavor estimated at $1 billion. This ambitious retirement plan involves the development of a new orbital vehicle crucial for the process. NASA released an industry solicitation on September 20, seeking a platform known as the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) to assist in the safe return of the ISS.

The Role of the USDV

Described as a ‘space tug,’ the USDV’s primary purpose is to maneuver the ISS from its current position 175 miles above Earth to an altitude of approximately 75 miles. This action marks the initial step in the retirement process. NASA emphasized the need for a “safe, reliable, and cost-effective de-orbit vehicle” for this mission.

The Mir Space Station Parallel

Experts have drawn a parallel with the Mir space station, noting that such re-entries have been conducted before. During this process, many tons of material will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, eventually splashing down in the ocean. There will be a warning to clear airspace, as such re-entries occur approximately once a month for smaller spacecraft like ISS cargo ships.

Challenges in the Descent

While the ISS can be safely lowered to an altitude of about 250 km, beyond that point, the specialized USDV is required to take over steering. The process is likened to driving on a windy motorway, where substantial muscle power is needed to maintain control. Losing control and causing the ISS to tumble would be problematic, as it would hinder the ability to direct the rocket engines effectively.

The ISS’s Role in Scientific Research

The ISS has served as an invaluable platform for space scientists for over two decades. Researchers have used its unique environment to conduct experiments across various domains, including biological, physical, biomedicine, materials, Earth, and space sciences. The space station, weighing 444,615 kg, has facilitated groundbreaking research and development.

The Role of the ISS Crew

The ISS’s crew has been an integral part of experiments, volunteering as test subjects for studies related to human adaptation to microgravity. In addition to their research roles, they handle everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning during their extended stays. These long-duration experiments are essential for enabling human exploration of the solar system.

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