In 2031, the International Space Station (ISS) will meet its end as it deorbits into the Pacific Ocean, a process facilitated by a specially designed SpaceX vehicle. This maneuver aims to mitigate risks associated with space debris.
The ISS, the largest human-made structure in space, will not completely disintegrate upon reentry. Instead, fragments ranging from microwave-sized to car-sized will scatter across a designated area, specifically Point Nemo, the oceanic region farthest from land.
To ensure a controlled descent, NASA has contracted SpaceX to develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), a modified Dragon spacecraft equipped with 46 thrusters, significantly more than its predecessors. This vehicle will be responsible for guiding the ISS safely down to its final resting place.
The deorbiting process will begin with the USDV docking to the ISS while the final crew verifies its functionality. Following crew departure, the ISS's orbit will naturally decay until it reaches a lower altitude, allowing the USDV to execute a critical burn to direct the station toward a safe deorbit.
Experts warn that larger satellites pose significant risks if uncontrolled reentry occurs. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at Harvard, stresses the importance of planned deorbits to prevent potential hazards associated with space debris. The Federal Communications Commission has recently shortened the deorbit timeline for defunct satellites from 25 years to five, highlighting the urgency of managing space traffic.
As satellite launches increase, the challenge of safely deorbiting larger objects becomes paramount. Current technology and regulations must evolve to address the growing concern of space debris and its implications for both space operations and air traffic safety.
Innovative solutions are being explored, including active deorbiting technologies, drag sails, and magnetic capture systems. However, experts emphasize the need for a proactive approach to ensure the sustainability of space activities and minimize risks to life on Earth.
As the ISS prepares for its final descent, the lessons learned from this operation will be crucial in shaping future policies and technologies aimed at managing the increasing number of satellites in orbit.