The Future of the International Space Station: Decommission and Deorbit

The future of the International Space Station (ISS) is drawing closer as the United States plans to deorbit the station in 2030. This marks a significant withdrawal from the ongoing program and a final act for one of the most iconic space stations in history.

The Planned Decommissioning and Deorbit Process

The decommissioning process for the International Space Station will be a violent one, unlike the controlled deorbit of other spacecraft. A Russian vehicle, called Progress, will be loaded with fuel and dock to the Zvezda module. At the appointed time, the Progress vehicle will initiate a large engine burn, initiating the deorbit process. The station, rapidly losing altitude due to orbital decay, will begin re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. As it re-enters, the station will break into numerous small chunks, with its solar panels already destroyed. The station, never designed to survive re-entry, will meet its end as a fiery inferno, with only the most durable parts surviving the descent. These remnants will eventually land in a designated oceanic zone.

What Happens After Deorbit?

While the denouement of the ISS is inevitable, parts of the station will be dismantled and salvaged. The equipment will be stripped for both historical and financial value. The remaining components, however, will be left to orbit for a period, eventually degrading and being redirected for a controlled re-entry. As the ISS orbits, there is thin atmosphere that continues to slow it down, leading to a natural orbital decay. To counteract this, a spacecraft is sent to boost the station's altitude every few months. When the ISS is decommissioned, these costly boosters will no longer be used, allowing the station to fall to its doom.

The Importance of Controlled Deorbit

While the natural deorbit process is scheduled, experts suggest a controlled deorbit using rockets. The natural re-entry of Skylab in 1979 serves as a cautionary tale. SkyLab’s re-entry was chaotic, entering the atmosphere at an unpredictable time and scattering debris across the Indian Ocean and western Australia, a populated area. This incident highlighted the risks of uncontrolled re-entry and the importance of ensuring the safety of inhabited areas.

Controlling the deorbit process using rockets would provide greater assurance and allow for better monitoring. The debris from a controlled deorbit would be more predictable and less likely to cause harm. It's a responsible approach that aligns with the benefits of historical and monetary value, as well as the safety of the public.

The ISS’s legacy will live on, with parts salvaged for future projects and historical value. But as we step back from a station that has been a symbol of international cooperation and technological advancement, let's ensure we do so in a way that protects the public and preserves the lessons learned from its operation.

So, the question remains, is it necessary to deorbit the ISS? Yes, for the safety of the Earth and to responsibly manage the legacy of this incredible space station.