NASA awards SpaceX nearly $1 billion contract to develop International Space Station deorbit vehicle

NASA has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX that will see the private aerospace company tasked with developing a vehicle capable of safely steering the International Space Station out of orbit when the time comes for its retirement.

The nearly $1 billion contract, which could see SpaceX receive up to $843 million, is part of NASA’s preparations for the eventual decommissioning of the ISS, a massive structure that has been home to astronauts and a hub for scientific research for over two decades.

The SpaceX-made deorbit vehicle will be responsible for guiding the space station as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, a challenging task that requires precise maneuvering to ensure a controlled descent. The vehicle is expected to launch later this decade, with a target date of 2029.

While NASA has committed to operating the ISS through 2030, its international partners, including Roscosmos, have only guaranteed participation through at least 2028. The station’s aging infrastructure and the need for a safe and responsible transition out of orbit have prompted NASA to prioritize the development of the deorbit vehicle.

In addition to the deorbit vehicle contract, NASA also announced the termination of a contract for new Extravehicular Activity spacesuits, citing development timeline issues. The decision comes after a recent spacewalk had to be called off due to a leak in an astronaut’s suit.

As NASA looks ahead to the future of space exploration, including plans to return astronauts to the moon through the Artemis program, the agency continues to seek innovative solutions for managing its current space assets. The partnership with SpaceX represents a significant step towards ensuring the smooth transition of the ISS when its mission comes to an end.

The news of SpaceX’s involvement in the deorbit vehicle project marks a new chapter in the ever-evolving relationship between government space agencies and private aerospace companies, highlighting the growing role of commercial partners in shaping the future of space exploration.