NASA Safety Panel Warns: ISS Deorbit Tug Is ‘Not Optional’

The International Space Station (ISS) is a marvel of human ingenuity and international cooperation. It has been orbiting Earth for over two decades, providing a platform for astronauts from all over the world to conduct scientific research and explore the universe . However, like all things, the ISS has a limited lifespan. NASA and its international partners have agreed to deorbit the station in 2031, and they are currently developing a plan to do so safely.

What is a deorbit tug and why is it needed?

One key part of this plan is the development of an ISS deorbit tug. This is a spacecraft that would be attached to the ISS and would use its engines to slow down the station and bring it out of orbit. A deorbit tug is important for two reasons.First, the ISS is simply too massive to be deorbited safely using the propulsion systems of the existing Russian Progress cargo spacecraft. Second, a deorbit tug would give NASA greater control over the deorbit process, allowing it to ensure that the ISS is deorbited in a way that minimizes the risk to people on Earth.

What did the NASA Safety Panel say in its report?

In October 2023, NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) issued a report calling for the agency to prioritize the development of an ISS deorbit tug. The ASAP is an independent panel of experts that advises NASA on safety matters. In its report, the ASAP warned that NASA’s current deorbit plan is “not optional” and that a deorbit tug is “essential to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.”

The ASAP’s report is a timely reminder of the importance of developing a safe and responsible plan for deorbiting the ISS. The station is a major investment of taxpayer dollars, and it has made significant contributions to science and technology. However, the ISS is also a potential hazard if it is not deorbited properly. A deorbit tug would help to control this risk by allowing NASA to deorbit the station in a controlled manner.

The development of an ISS deorbit tug is a complex and challenging undertaking. NASA is currently working with industry partners to develop a design for the tug, and the agency plans to award a contract for its construction in 2024.The tug is expected to be completed and launched in 2029, and it would dock with the ISS in 2030.

The deorbit of the ISS will be a bittersweet moment. On the one hand, it will mark the end of an era in space exploration.On the other hand, it will also represent the beginning of a new era, as we look to build new commercial space stations and explore even further into space.

In the meantime, NASA is and its partners are working diligently to ensure that the ISS is deorbited safely and responsibly.The development of an ISS deorbit tug is a key part of this plan, and it is a necessary step in ensuring the safety of the public and the environment.

Why is it important to deorbit the ISS safely and responsibly?

The ISS is a massive object, weighing over 400 tons. If it were to deorbit uncontrolled, it could break up into large debris that could fall to Earth and cause significant damage to property and even loss of life. In addition, the ISS contains a number of hazardous materials, such as hydrazine fuel and radioactive isotopes. If these materials were to be released into the environment, they could pose a serious health and safety risk.

What are the risks of not deorbiting the ISS safely?

There are a number of risks associated with not deorbiting the ISS safely. The most immediate risk is that debris from the station could fall to Earth and cause damage or loss of life. In addition, the station could eventually become unstable and break up in orbit, creating a cloud of debris that could pose a hazard to other spacecraft and satellites.

Another risk is that the ISS could be hit by another object in space, such as a piece of debris or a meteoroid. This could damage or destroy the station, causing it to deorbit uncontrolled.

Finally, the ISS is aging and becoming increasingly fragile. Over time, the station’s structure could weaken and the station could fail. This could also lead to an uncontrolled deorbit.

How would a deorbit tug work?

A deorbit tug would be attached to the ISS and would use its engines to slow down the station and bring it out of orbit. The tug would dock with the ISS and would use its own propulsion system to slow down the station. As the station slows down, its orbit will gradually decay until it reaches a point where it will enter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up.

The deorbit tug would give NASA greater control over the deorbit process. NASA would be able to choose the exact time and place where the ISS would deorbit, and it would be able to ensure that the station would deorbit in a way that minimizes the risk to people and property on Earth.

What are the challenges of developing and deploying a deorbit tug?

There are a number of challenges associated with developing and deploying a deorbit tug. One challenge is the size and mass of the ISS. The tug will need to be large enough and powerful enough to slow down the station. Another challenge is the need to develop a safe and reliable docking mechanism between the tug and the ISS.

Finally, there are the costs associated with developing and deploying a deorbit tug. The tug is expected to cost around $1 billion to develop and build. However, this cost is relatively small compared to the overall cost of the ISS program.

What is the timeline for developing and deploying a deorbit tug?

NASA is currently working with industry partners to develop a design for the ISS deorbit tug. The agency plans to award a contract for its construction in 2024. The tug is expected to be completed and launched in 2029, and it would dock with the ISS in 2030.

Conclusion

The development of an ISS deorbit tug is a critical step in ensuring the safe and responsible deorbit of the station in 2031. The tug will give NASA greater control over the deorbit process and will help to minimize the risk to people and property on Earth.

The deorbit of the ISS will also mark a turning point in space exploration. The ISS has been a symbol of international cooperation and scientific progress for over two decades. However, its time is coming to an end. The development of new commercial space stations and the Artemis program signal a new era in space exploration.