S. Deorbit Vehicle" that will guide the controlled destruction of the International Space Station (ISS) after its retirement in 2030. The decision comes as NASA and its international partner agencies, including Russia, Europe, Canada, and Japan, prepare for the eventual end of the aging space station.

The SpaceX-built vehicle, designed to be the size of a football field, will play a crucial role in safely pushing the ISS into reentry from orbit, ensuring the avoidance of risks to populated areas, as stated by NASA in a press release. The agency highlighted the need to prepare for the responsible deorbit of the ISS in a controlled manner.

While NASA did not provide specific details on the design of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, it remains uncertain whether SpaceX will base it on one of their existing spacecraft, such as the Dragon capsules. The companies have not responded to requests for comment on the design.

With over 3,300 experiments conducted in microgravity, the ISS has served as a vital research laboratory since its crewed establishment in 2000. It has enabled groundbreaking research in medical sciences and technology demonstrations, making it an invaluable artifact of historical significance.

NASA's decision to intentionally destroy the ISS through controlled reentry was outlined in a study published on Wednesday. The agency considered alternative scenarios, including disassembling the station in orbit or raising it to a higher orbit using a large spacecraft like SpaceX's Starship. However, the study concluded that salvage or reuse of the ISS was not technically or economically feasible.

While there is a possibility that the ISS's operational lifetime could be extended beyond 2030, it would require agreement with international partner agencies. In the meantime, NASA is actively working towards developing private space stations through the Commercial LEO Destinations program. This initiative aims to fund U.S. companies in creating a cost-effective replacement for the ISS, which has cost approximately $150 billion to develop and build, with an annual operating cost of $4 billion for NASA.

As the ISS approaches its retirement, the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX highlights the continued partnership between government agencies and private companies in advancing space exploration. With the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle project, SpaceX plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and responsible transition to the next phase of human spaceflight.