Logan Brown
What Is The ISS?
The ISS, or commonly known as the International Space Station, is a spacecraft orbiting the Earth, with 7 crew members on board. All who have boarded the ISS, including those currently on board and previous members, are from 19 countries. The ISS was launched in 1998 and had its first crew in 2000. The ISS laboratories carry out experiments which are impossible to do on Earth. The research gathered there is used alot in everyday life. In total 3000 experiments have happened in its laboratory.
Why and When?
In 2031, The ISS will fall down to Earth at Point Nemo, a point in the Pacific Ocean farthest away from any last, according to NASA. Point Nemo is also known as the spacecraft cemetery because many satellites and space debris have landed there. Although it won’t last forever, NASA hopes to control it through 2030. According to NASA, the fall of the ISS is meant to mark a transition into more commercial space activities. The plan originally was to make the activities of the ISS until 2024 but the USA decided to extend its life. Private companies are also a big part of delivering the cargo to satellites and other orbiting structures, like the ISS. If NASA decides to transition into having more private companies work close to Earth in space, it will save £956m. This money can be used for more deep space missions and explorations. NASA looks to these private companies to build new space stations.
How Will It Crash?
To escape its orbit, the ISS will perform thrusting manoeuvres that will make sure the International Space Station enters the atmosphere safely. The station is hoped to still be run in 2030 with crew on board.
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