NASA Selects SpaceX To Develop Space Station Deorbit Vehicle

NASA is preparing to safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) within the next decade. NASA is making this critical move as the ISS's operational life ends in 2030. The US space agency also announced that Elon Musk's SpaceX has been selected to develop a deorbit vehicle that will provide the capability to deorbit the space station. NASA's contract with SpaceX has a total potential value of $843 million. 

While SpaceX will develop the deorbit vehicle, NASA will take ownership after its development and operate it throughout its mission. “Selecting a U.S. 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," said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, in a statement.

The International Space Station was launched in 1998, and the first crew arrived at the station in 2000. Astronauts have lived on the space station ever since. Five space agencies have operated the ISS since its launch, with each agency responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The US, Japan, Canada, and member nations of the European Space Agency will be committed to operating the ISS through 2030. Meanwhile, Russian space agency Roscosmos will remain in partnership with the US and Europe on the space station until 2028.