Jun 26, 2024 - Science

NASA awards SpaceX $843M contract to bring ISS out of orbit

Rebecca Falconer

A view of the International Space Station over Earth taken shortly after the Space Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the orbital outpost. — The International Space Station over Earth. Photo: NASA via Getty Images

NASA picked SpaceX to develop and deliver a spacecraft that'll bring the International Space Station out of orbit after the operational life of the ISS ends in 2030, the space agency announced Wednesday.

Why it matters: The spacecraft, which NASA is calling the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, needs to guide the ISS safely back through Earth's atmosphere before its planned crash into the Pacific Ocean.

"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," said NASA's Ken Bowersox in a statement on Wednesday.

The big picture: The contract awarded to Elon Musk's SpaceX has the potential value of $843 million, according to a NASA statement.

"NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission," per the statement.
"Along with the space station, it is expected to destructively breakup as part of the re-entry process."

Flashback: NASA and SpaceX launch first all-private crewed mission to ISS

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NASA awards SpaceX $843M contract to bring ISS out of orbit

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