SpaceX to Assist NASA in Destroing the Legendary International Space Station in 2030

SpaceX has been awarded a contract to help destroy the ISS as it approaches its end. This comes amid concerns that Elon Musk’s involvement with the US Government may allow him to interfere with NASA’s contracts and award more to his own company.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX to destroy the International Space Station

The ISS is one of the examples of different countries working together. The station was built in 1998 with NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It has been a crucial part of space exploration since and allowed scientists to learn more about our solar system. It orbits around 250 miles above the earth and it was always the plan that the ISS would be decommissioned. 

This will happen in 2030 after NASA allows the ISS to slowly get closer to Earth, having completed operations. A craft will latch onto the ISS and propel it towards Earth. SpaceX has been awarded the lucrative $843,000,000 contract for the work.

It will be carried out using a modified version of the Dragon spacecraft, which will be built with six times the propellant and four times the power or the original. Moving into the atmosphere, the ISS will have already largely broken up.

However, large parts of the space station will remain and will land in a splashdown location that NASA hasn’t yet confirmed, being guided by the SpaceX craft.

SpaceX Partners with NASA to Safely Deorbit the ISS

Ken Bowersox from NASA said: “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.

“This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth.

“The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all.”

SpaceX is working closely with NASA on many contracts and with a recent $256,000,000 deal to launch the Dragonfly mission, the links show no signs of stopping. This particular mission will arrive at Titan’s moon in 2034.

Musk’s recent appointment to the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) means that he will likely have more say on the awarding of contracts and this could lead to more NASA money being funnelled to his companies.