NASA Seeks US Industry to Develop Deorbit Vehicle for ISS
ASA has released a request for proposals from US industry to develop a spacecraft that can safely deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of its operational life. The spacecraft, known as the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), will need to be able to attach to the ISS and perform a series of maneuvers to bring it down to Earth in a controlled manner.
The ISS is currently scheduled to be deorbited in 2031. NASA has been working on plans for the deorbit process for several years, and the USDV is a key part of those plans. The spacecraft will need to be able to safely deorbit the ISS even if there are problems with the ISS’s own propulsion systems.
NASA is looking for a spacecraft that is reliable, affordable, and easy to operate. The USDV will also need to be able to deliver the ISS to a designated landing zone in the Pacific Ocean.
The development of the USDV is a complex undertaking, and NASA expects that it will take several years to complete. However, the agency is confident that US industry can develop a safe and reliable spacecraft to deorbit the ISS.
Why is a deorbit vehicle necessary?
The ISS is a massive spacecraft, weighing over 900,000 pounds. If it were to be simply abandoned in orbit, it would eventually come down to Earth on its own, but it would be impossible to predict where or when it would land. This could pose a significant safety hazard, as the ISS could land in a populated area.
The USDV will precisely control the deorbit process, ensuring that the ISS lands safely in the designated landing zone. This will minimize the risk of any damage or casualties.
What are the challenges of developing a deorbit vehicle?
One of the biggest challenges of developing the USDV is that it needs to be able to safely deorbit the ISS even if there are problems with the ISS’s own propulsion systems. This means that the USDV needs to be able to generate enough thrust on its own to bring the ISS down to Earth.
Another challenge is that the USDV needs to be able to deliver the ISS to a precise landing zone. This is a difficult task, as the ISS is a very large and heavy object.
What are the benefits of developing a deorbit vehicle?
The main benefit of developing the USDV is that it will ensure the safe deorbit of the ISS at the end of its operational life. This will minimize the risk of any damage or casualties.
In addition, the development of the USDV could lead to new technologies and capabilities that could be used for other space missions. For example, the USDV could be used to deorbit other large spacecraft, such as satellites or space telescopes.
Conclusion
The development of the USDV is a critical step in NASA’s plan to safely deorbit the ISS at the end of its operational life. NASA is confident that US industry can develop a safe and reliable spacecraft to complete this important task.
