Deorbiting the ISS: Planning for the Station’s Retirement
Deorbiting the ISS means guiding the International Space Station out of orbit at the end of its operational life. Our October 2021 article considered how such a large structure could retire. Since then, NASA has published more detail about the transition and its planned approach.
NASA has committed to operating the station through 2030 while supporting the development of commercial destinations in low Earth orbit. In addition, the agency is preparing for a controlled return through the atmosphere. Read NASA’s transition-plan FAQs for the current explanation.
The Role of a Controlled Return
Deorbiting the ISS requires careful planning because of the station’s size and structure. A controlled operation aims to direct the remaining debris towards a remote ocean area. Therefore, the task involves reducing risks to populated places rather than simply stopping normal operations.
In June 2024, NASA selected SpaceX to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. The spacecraft will provide the capability needed for the final operation. However, this selection is part of the retirement preparations, rather than evidence that the station has already left orbit.
Deorbiting the ISS and International Cooperation
Five partner agencies operate the station: NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA and the Canadian Space Agency. Each manages the hardware it provides. Meanwhile, planning for the end of the station’s life forms part of the broader partnership.
NASA’s station FAQs explain the agencies’ roles. Readers can also consult the deorbit-vehicle announcement for more detail. In particular, older dates in early retirement discussions should not be treated as the current operating plan.
Explore the Future of Space Stations
Deorbiting the ISS is one part of a wider transition in low Earth orbit. Our original story raised questions about the station’s future; this update adds the later planning context. To follow more developments, browse RocketBreaks news. Alternatively, explore our Earth-based space experiences.