SpaceX wins NASA contract to pull down the International Space Centre out of its orbit

NASA has awarded SpaceX the contract to develop the vehicle that will eventually bring the International Space Station (ISS) out of its orbit, signalling the end of its operational lifespan.

SpaceX, the private aerospace company controlled by tech magnate Elon Musk, will construct the vehicle, while NASA will oversee the mission. The contract that NASA has awarded SpaceX is worth $843 million, as per a report by the Associated Press.

Launched in 1998, the ISS has served as a hub for scientific research and international cooperation in space for over two decades. Crews of astronauts have continuously occupied the station since 2000.

The station is a collaborative project operated by space agencies from the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia. All participating countries have committed to maintaining the ISS until 2030, except for Russia, which has pledged to participate only until 2028.

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Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for the space operations mission directorate, highlighted the importance of the ISS, describing it as a blueprint for science, exploration, and international partnerships in space. The station has been instrumental in various scientific advancements and in fostering international collaboration.

SpaceX, founded by Musk in 2002, has steadily become a pivotal player in space exploration. This contract reinforces SpaceX’s reputation for technological innovation and reliability. The company, based in Hawthorne, California, has been at the forefront of numerous space missions, including launching and landing reusable rockets.

Elon Musk, now 52, has been a driving force behind SpaceX’s success. He is also the key figure behind Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, which constitutes a significant part of his estimated $220 billion fortune. Musk’s vision for space exploration has been a cornerstone of SpaceX’s mission, aiming to push the boundaries of human capabilities in space.

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The ISS deorbit mission marks another major milestone for SpaceX. The contract demonstrates NASA’s confidence in SpaceX’s ability to handle such a critical task. The deorbit vehicle will be essential for safely guiding the ISS back to Earth when its operational period concludes around 2030.

The collaboration between NASA and SpaceX is a testament to the growing partnership between public space agencies and private aerospace companies. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in the future of space exploration, opening new frontiers and possibilities.

As SpaceX takes on this monumental task, the world will be watching closely. The successful deorbiting of the ISS will not only mark the end of an era but also pave the way for new advancements and missions in space exploration. With this contract, SpaceX continues to solidify its position as a leader in the aerospace industry, poised to make history once again.