NASA Plans Controlled Destruction of ISS Amid Safety Concerns
NASA's $1bn plan to blow up ISS after horror leak forces crews to prepare for escape
Image: Dailystar Co Uk
NASA is set to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) due to safety concerns following a recent gas leak. The plan involves a $1 billion contract with SpaceX to develop a powerful tugboat for a controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean's Point Nemo by 2030, preventing dangerous debris from impacting populated areas.
- 01The ISS, weighing 450,000 kg, will begin its controlled descent in 2028, with operations ending in 2030.
- 02NASA has contracted SpaceX for nearly $1 billion to modify a Crew Dragon capsule to act as a tugboat for the ISS.
- 03The designated landing area for debris is Point Nemo, known as the 'Spaceship Graveyard,' to minimize risk to human life.
- 04Experts predict that up to 100 tonnes of debris could survive re-entry despite controlled efforts.
- 05NASA's assessment emphasizes the necessity of a controlled re-entry to avoid catastrophic risks associated with uncontrolled descent.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
NASA is preparing to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) after a recent gas leak raised safety concerns among crew members. The ISS, which has been in orbit for over 25 years, will begin its controlled descent in 2028, with operations concluding in 2030. To facilitate this, NASA has awarded a nearly $1 billion contract to SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, to modify a Crew Dragon capsule into a powerful tugboat capable of guiding the ISS to a safe landing at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean, the furthest point from human life. This controlled descent is crucial to prevent an uncontrolled re-entry that could rain debris over populated areas. Experts warn that even with careful planning, up to 100 tonnes of debris may survive the descent. The ISS's deorbiting plan includes a series of complex maneuvers to ensure the station's safe re-entry, reflecting NASA's commitment to maintaining safety standards in space operations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The planned deorbiting of the ISS is crucial to ensure public safety by preventing uncontrolled debris from falling on populated areas.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support NASA's plan for the ISS deorbit?
Connecting to poll...
More about NASA
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.