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Elon Musk calls for deorbiting of the ISS. Here's what the space station does


Published on 2025-02-22 06:42:20 - ABC
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  • Elon Musk recently called for the ISS to be deorbited "as soon as possible." Experts say the station provides vital research, technological development and education

Elon Musk has called for the deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS), suggesting that it should be allowed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere in a controlled manner. This proposal comes as part of a broader discussion on the future of space exploration and the management of space debris. Musk's comments were made in the context of NASA's plans to retire the ISS by 2030, with considerations for either extending its life or safely disposing of it. The ISS, which has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, plays a crucial role in scientific research and international cooperation in space. However, its aging infrastructure and the high costs of maintenance are prompting discussions on its eventual decommissioning. Musk's suggestion involves using a spacecraft to guide the ISS to a safe re-entry point, potentially over an uninhabited area like the South Pacific Ocean Uninhabited Area (SPOUA), to minimize risk to populated regions.

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[ https://abcnews.go.com/US/elon-musk-calls-deorbiting-iss-space-station/story?id=119037770 ]
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