Space Station Is Near Completion, Maybe the End: Plan to 'De-Orbit' in 2016

07-12-2009 • Washington Post

The international space station is the largest spacecraft built by earthlings. After more than a decade of construction, it is nearing completion.

And then?

"In the first quarter of 2016, we'll prep and de-orbit the spacecraft," says NASA's space station program manager,

2 Comments in Response to Space Station Is Near Completion, Maybe the End: Plan to 'De-Orbit' in 2016

Comment by PureTrust

Entered on: 7/13/2009 8:23:34 AM

When they say they will de-orbit the space station, aren't they really simply saying that they will take it out of orbit?

We will see some falling debris - probably from an automobile junkyard - that has been hauled up just for making fireworks, and we will think the space station has been "de-orbited" to fall back to earth.

But what will really have happened is that it will have been de-orbited in the other direction - free from earth's gravity - to sail throughout the solar system. Let your imagination roam.

Comment by Powell Gammill

Entered on: 7/12/2009 6:28:25 PM

Sure, it's a pathetic attempt by NASA to get funding. Sure, Russia, Europe and Japan are not amused. But it is a good time to ask if NASA should continue existing? And if it would not be a good time to auction off the ISS?

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