international space station For a while, it was clear that the day of his retirement was approaching. breakdowns they are becoming more frequent and it is obvious that their useful life is coming to an end. Hence POT For some time, he planned how to bring him back to Earth without endangering the population. His plan was recently made public in the latest white house budgets and shows that at least it will be quite expensive.
In particular, it was announced that $180 million at the beginning of the construction of St. tow for the International Space Station. Of course, this will only be the initial budget. According to statements at a press conference compiled by space.comfrom NASA’s head of human spaceflight, Kathy Lueders, it will take about billion dollars for the whole process.
This will involve using a tug that will select the right thrust to deorbit the International Space Station at the perfect time for it to land. Point Nemo. This is a point located in the Pacific Ocean, which is considered to be the furthest from any land mass. This would be as safe as possible for the population, unlike what happened with some rockets, the return of which to Earth was carried out uncontrollably.
Own tug to return the International Space Station to Earth
Initially, the maneuvers to return the International Space Station to Earth could be performed from progress, Russian spaceship. However, the disconnect between USA and Russia for The aftermath of the Ukrainian war prompted NASA to build its own tugboat.
It will be taken to the International Space Station and pulled to exactly the point in its orbit where it can land in a controlled manner on Point Nemo. The exact moment when this will happen is not yet clear, although it is expected that this will happen in about in 2030.
Over 30 years in orbit
The first parts of the International Space Station were put into orbit in 1998. At that time there was no period of its operation. It all depends on your performance in the coming years.
However, his resignation has long been perceived as something clear. align economic and bureaucratic, one of the station’s big blows was the departure of Roskosmos, one of its most important partners. The Russian space agency announced the exit from objects in 2024. However, the rest of the partners signed on to remain active. until 2030.
Moreover, it would be difficult, since there were also numerous technical incidents. Several breakdowns, some in the form of holes that could have put the crew in danger, highlighted the need to start thinking about retirement.
this is an object 420 tons, so it’s not enough to throw it. An exit plan like the one NASA is now announcing is needed to avoid endangering the population. With a billion-dollar tugboat, this great milestone in the space race can be safely and safely completed. He still has a few years, but this is such an important maneuver that it cannot be left to the last moment.
Source: Hiper Textual
