The International Space Station has given the Earth a human presence in space since its launch in the year 2000, but it appears that may soon be coming to an end. NASA recently announced plans to retire the space lab by 2031, and it’s method of getting the spacecraft back to earth has many intrigued. The space agency plans to have the ISS crash into the Pacific Ocean upon returning to Earth.
Since being launched into space in 2000, the ISS has seen more than 200 astronauts from 19 different countries onboard as it orbited 227 nautical miles above Earth. However, NASA believes the spacecraft will be ready for retirement after 30 years of work. Once work is completed, NASA will have the ISS fall to Earth, landing in the South Pacific Oceanic Uninhabited Area, also known as Point Nemo. Point Nemo is the point in the ocean that is farthest from land and has been a watery grave for many other spacecraft, according to CNN.
NASA plans to use thrusting maneuvers that would ensure "safe atmospheric entry” for the ISS. Once retired, NASA plans to have commercially operated space platforms replace the ISS as a venue for collaboration and scientific research. Hopefully the ISS can handle the ocean the same way it handled space.
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