Nasa confirmed the International Space Station (ISS) will dive into a remote part of the Pacific Ocean after finishing operations in 2030. The splashdown is due to take place at the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, known as Point Nemo, which is 2,700km from the nearest land and is often used to safely decommission space debris.
Nasa has judged that it can cede responsibility for Low Earth Orbit logistics to the buoyant private space sector, becoming a major customer rather than a provider, purchasing only the goods and services that the agency needs. It stated that it expects to see ongoing cost savings as a result, amounting to US$ 1.3 billion in 2031 alone.
“The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA’s assistance. We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters. “The report we have delivered to Congress describes, in detail, our comprehensive plan for ensuring a smooth transition to commercial destinations after retirement of the International Space Station in 2030.”
The ISS is perhaps the most expensive item ever built, costing around US$ 150 billion. The first module launched in November 1998 and the station became fully operational in May 2009. It was originally intended to operate for 15 years, although its usefulness continued, with modules being added to this day.
“The International Space Station is entering its third and most productive decade as a groundbreaking scientific platform in microgravity,” said Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters. “This third decade is one of results, building on our successful global partnership to verify exploration and human research technologies to support deep space exploration, continue to return medical and environmental benefits to humanity, and lay the groundwork for a commercial future in low-Earth orbit. We look forward to maximizing these returns from the space station through 2030 while planning for transition to commercial space destinations that will follow.”
