“” It is time to start preparing the desire for the international space station. She fulfilled her role. There is very little additional utility. Let's go to Mars. »This is what Elon Musk on x After taking a beak with a European astronaut on social networks. The boss of SpaceX knows perfectly well that NASA and its partners (Europe, Canada, Japan and Russia) plan to end the ISS in 2030, but it wants to go even faster!
Initially, SpaceX must provide a special vessel responsible for guiding the international station towards a return to the Earth's atmosphere.
This is the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), based on the SpaceX Dragon vessel. The USDV will be responsible for the final maneuvers to descend the station and bring it into the atmosphere above an isolated area of the South Pacific. The goal: thus minimize the risks for populations since the machine measures more than 100 meters long, and it weighs more than 400 tonnes.
Donald Trump will contrast
The project is to send the machine for about a year before the expected desorbitation, and the date set was May 2029. If Musk wants to go faster, it will obviously pose problems, and it has a choice of choice to give up NASA , a certain Donald Trump. It is indeed the President of the United States who decides the date. “” The decision comes back to the president, but my recommendation is to do so as soon as possible. I recommend in two years », Insists Musk, still on X.
ISS, a real political debate
For the moment, NASA continues to use the ISS and plans to rely on commercial space stations in the future. It remains to be seen whether the pressure of Elon Musk and his political allies will modify these plans. One thing is certain: the debate becomes political. Just read the reaction of senator Ted Cruz to understand that the republican camp is not on the same wavelength.
“” Abandon the low terrestrial orbit on the pretext of focusing only on the moon or on Mars would simply allow China to fill the void, moving the United States from their partners “, Esides the president of the Senate Commerce Committee during a conference on space on February 12. “” This is not a possible option. We have invested more than $ 100 billion in the ISS. It would be completely irresponsible to prematurely send this infrastructure to the bottom of the ocean. »»
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
