NASA Panel Urges Mandatory Deorbiting of ISS Spacecraft

NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) has emphasized the importance of safely deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS) after its retirement in 2030, warning of potential catastrophe if the spacecraft were to make an uncontrolled reentry through Earth's atmosphere. The ASAP urged NASA to develop a space tug to deorbit the ISS, stating that it is not optional. The ISS is too massive and poses a significant hazard if it were to deorbit in an uncontrolled manner. NASA had previously suggested using Russia's Progress cargo spacecraft for deorbiting, but it is unclear if that option is still viable. The development of the proposed space tug has been allocated $180 million, but budget cuts may affect the plans.