NASA's $1 Billion Plan to Decommission the International Space Station

NASA is considering spending nearly $1 billion to retire the International Space Station (ISS) by 2031. The agency has options to bring down the ISS, including relying on Russian cargo vehicles or building its own deorbit vehicle. The ideal process involves a custom-built vehicle attached to the ISS, gradually lowering its altitude before a controlled descent over the South Pacific. An uncontrolled deorbit poses risks due to the ISS's size and trajectory over populated areas. Pushing the ISS into a higher orbit or relying on Russia's assistance also have drawbacks. NASA is seeking commercial proposals for a custom deorbit vehicle, but the cost is expected to be high.