Topics
up-to-the-minute
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:NASA(opens in a new window)
Apps
Biotech & Health
mood
Image Credits:NASA(opens in a new window)
Cloud Computing
Commerce Department
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
fundraise
Gadgets
gage
Government & Policy
ironware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Department of Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
NASA has selected SpaceX to develop a spacecraft that will de - orbit the International Space Station in 2030 — a contract value at as much as $ 843 million , the agency announced Wednesday .
The ISS is nearing the end of its operable lifetime , and as plans for new , commercially owned space station hot up up , the one that started it all will finally have to be safely disposed of at the end of the decade .
Few details about the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle , as NASA calls the craft , have been free so far . However , NASA clear up that the vehicle will be unlike from SpaceX ’s Dragon capsule , which delivers cargo and gang to the post , and other vehicle that perform services for the way . Unlike these vehicles , which are built and operate by SpaceX , NASA will take possession of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle post - development and operate it throughout its mission .
Both the vehicle and the ISS will destructively give away up as they reenter the atmosphere , and one of the big tasks ahead for SpaceX is to insure that the place reenters in a way that jeopardize no populated areas .
The launch contract bridge for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle will be announced separately .
NASA and its partner had been evaluating using a Russian Roscosmos Progress space vehicle to comport the First State - orbit mission , but sketch signal that a new spacecraft was needed for the First State - orbit tactic . The station ’s good demise is a responsibility shared by the five infinite agencies that operate on the ISS — NASA , the Canadian Space Agency , European Space Agency , Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency , and State Space Corporation Roscosmos — but it is unclear whether this contract amount is being paid out by all countries .
TechCrunch has contacted NASA for more detail and we will update this stake if we hear back .
