International Space Station to Retire by 2031

Between 2026 and 2030, decommissioning efforts will involve gradually lowering the station's altitude from 415 km to 280 km using Russian Progress spacecraft and other propulsion modules

Published on:

21 Mar 2025, 5:17 pm

The International Space Station (ISS) is set to be decommissioned by 2031, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in global space research.

The announcement follows the return of American astronaut Sunita Williams after a nine-month mission, highlighting the station's continued role in advancing scientific exploration.

Launched in 1998, the ISS has been a symbol of international collaboration, jointly developed by the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and European nations

Orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 415 kilometers, the football field-sized structure ;measuring 109 meters in length and weighing around 400 metric tons, has served as a critical hub for space research. Completing 16 orbits of the Earth daily, the station has facilitated groundbreaking experiments in microgravity and technological advancements.

Originally designed for a 15-year lifespan, the ISS has exceeded expectations with multiple extensions, most recently approved by the Biden administration for operations until 2030.

However, concerns over aging infrastructure have accelerated discussions about its future. In 2021, Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Solovyov warned that nearly 80% of the equipment in the Russian segment was outdated, with visible structural wear and minor cracks emerging.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has suggested that the ISS has fulfilled its mission and that efforts should now pivot towards Mars exploration. While NASA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, plans to retire the ISS are already underway.

Between 2026 and 2030, decommissioning efforts will involve gradually lowering the station's altitude from 415 km to 280 km using Russian Progress spacecraft and other propulsion modules.

A specially designed vehicle will then guide the ISS to an altitude of 120 km, where atmospheric friction will cause most of the structure to disintegrate. Any remaining debris will be directed toward Point Nemo, a remote area in the Pacific Ocean designated for space junk disposal.

As part of the transition, NASA is investing in commercial space stations to take over low Earth orbit operations. The agency has signed an $84.3 million contract with SpaceX, while Axiom Space and Blue Origin have also been awarded contracts to develop private space habitats.

These projects are expected to be operational before the ISS is retired, ensuring continuity in scientific research and commercial space activities.

The ISS's closure is expected to bring significant shifts to the global space industry. India has announced plans to launch its own space station by 2035, with former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath confirming that the first module is slated to be operational by 2028. Meanwhile, China has positioned itself as a key player with the successful launch of its Tiangong space station in 2022, which is poised to become a major hub in human spaceflight.

Despite the ISS's impending retirement, the next era of space exploration is already taking shape, with private enterprises and national space agencies focusing on lunar and Mars missions.

The evolution of space stations and deep-space exploration initiatives signals a transformative period in human spaceflight, setting the stage for the next frontier beyond Earth's orbit.

( This Content is based on Syndicate Feed )