NASA announced Wednesday has selected Elon Musk’s SpaceX to build the vehicle that will take the International Space Station out of orbit by 2030, when it is expected to no longer be operational.
SpaceX won the estimated $843 million contract to “develop and deliver” the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which NASA will own and operate throughout the mission.
NASA said the vehicle’s main objective is to deorbit the space station without creating any risk to populated areas. The orbiter and space station are expected to “destructively separate” upon reentry, NASA said.
“The selection of a U.S. orbit vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition into low-Earth orbit at the end of station operations,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Board of Directors. of NASA Space Operations Missions, in a press release.
“This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of near-Earth space,” he added.
The space station, since 1998, has been operated by five space agencies: NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos. The operational life of the space station is expected to end in 2030.
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