The International Space Station (ISS) is a revolutionary research tool that has enhanced our understanding of deep space, physics, and human life. Over its two decades of orbit, the ISS has helped researchers make incredible discoveries, such as the fifth state of matter, protein crystals, and cosmic particles. But the ISS has a set lifespan, and its time is almost up.
The main construction of the ISS began in 1998, when the first section of the station was sent to space on a Russian rocket. The second was sent shortly after in 1999. The first astronauts to call the ISS home arrived on November 2, 2000, but the spaceship was not officially finished until 2011, when it was completed with a gym, five bedrooms, and massive solar arrays that harness the sun’s energy. The ISS does not belong to one country, instead, it serves as a “co-operative program” between the United States, Russia, Japan, and countries in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.) (it’s always good to know who the players are)The space station has housed a melting pot of astronauts and researchers, 244 individuals from 19 different countries.
Initially, the ISS was planned to be operational through 2024, but this deadline has been extended and the spacecraft will meet its fate in 2031. During these additional seven years, scientists hope to return to the moon, explore Mars further and continue research on the effects of long-term space travel. Space scientists also do not want to abandon the ISS until private, commercial space stations are operational.
When it is time for the ISS to return to earth, it must break from orbit using “thrusting maneuvers” (the use of rocket force to position the ship at a specific moment in time) to re-enter the atmosphere. But where can a spacecraft the size of a football field crash safely on earth? The ISS will be sent to Point Nemo, also known as the “Spacecraft Cemetery”, located in the Pacific Ocean, directly between Chile and New Zealand. A trillion-dollar wasteland of NASA’s many projects, Point Nemo is the furthest point away from any land, and more importantly, any humans. Even if crashing space junk is somehow thrown hundreds of miles off course, it is at no risk of endangering earth’s residents.
Though this is the safest option for reentry of the ISS, it still serves risks and has potential complications. The ISS contains fuel tanks, many of which hold toxic fuels. The ISS will break up into many pieces as it enters the atmosphere, and if one of the fuel tanks breaks off, it will release chemicals into the atmosphere that will potentially cause negative effects on the environment.
