Home / Science / ISS Deorbits 2030: End of an Era in Space
ISS Deorbits 2030: End of an Era in Space
5 Feb
Summary
- The International Space Station will be guided back to Earth in 2030.
- ISS represents three decades of peaceful international cooperation in space.
- Future space stations will be largely commercial, operated by private companies.
The International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for a controlled deorbit into Earth's atmosphere in 2030. This event signifies the conclusion of its three-decade mission, which has been a symbol of peaceful international cooperation. Since November 2000, the ISS has maintained a continuous human presence in orbit, functioning as a vital scientific laboratory.
The decision to retire the ISS is due to its aging infrastructure and outdated equipment. NASA has contracted SpaceX to manage the station's deorbit, ensuring a precise re-entry over the Pacific Ocean at a location known as Point Nemo. This marks the end of an era where the ISS was the sole space station orbiting Earth.
Looking ahead, the landscape of space stations is shifting towards commercialization. Private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space are developing new commercial space stations. National space agencies are expected to transition to a model where they lease services from these private entities, reflecting a growing commercial dimension in space exploration.
