SpaceX will use a powerful capsule to shove the International Space Station out of orbit at the beginning of 2031. NASA and Elon Musk outlined the plan to burn it up on reentry and plunge the remainder into the ocean.
NASA gave SpaceX an $843 million contract to deorbit the space station, the most massive structure ever built off Earth. The idea is to create space for private companies to launch their own space stations while NASA focuses on moon and Mars exploration.
NASA considered bringing back the space station to Earth or letting private companies salvage parts, but it wasn't designed for disassembly in orbit. The agency aims for a smooth transition to commercial outposts without interrupting scientific research.
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