It was once an ambitious dream, an icon of international cooperation orbiting 250 miles above Earth's surface. The International Space Station (ISS), initiated by US President Ronald Reagan and brought to life by the coordinated efforts of space agencies from across the globe, has significantly advanced our knowledge of living and working in space over its two-decade lifespan. But now, we find ourselves on the brink of yet another space-age milestone - the de-orbiting of the ISS.

Why De-orbit the ISS?

Despite the historical significance and scientific contributions of the ISS, the decision to set it on a controlled descent back to Earth arises from a combination of factors. The increasing age and consequent maintenance costs are key considerations. With components launched as far back as 1998, wear and tear are inevitable, leading to expensive repairs and replacements. Additionally, with the advent of commercial space enterprises and advancements in technology, there are now more sustainable and cost-effective options for maintaining a human presence in space.

When is it Happening?

Although no solid de-orbit date is set, the planning for this massive task has commenced. Current agreements between ISS partners extended its life through 2024, with potential extension up to 2028. Nonetheless, President Trump, via his 2019 budget request, indicated a strong intent to begin the transitioning phase, setting the wheels in motion for the end of direct U.S. funding for the ISS after 2025. Elon Musk has also argued that the deorbiting process should begin sooner than later.

Steps to De-orbiting the ISS

While de-orbiting might sound simple, it involves numerous delicate steps. After stripping down of the ISS, a drastic reduction in orbit altitude will become the first step, later followed by a object-specific 'controlled' re-entry process. This process will aim to ensure the station breaks up over a vast, uninhabited area of the south Pacific Ocean, dubbed the "spacecraft cemetery", thus ensuring safety on earth.

The Entities Tasked

The International Space Station is a shared responsibility among a consortium of global stakeholders, including NASA, the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) along with a consortium of 11 European countries. Thus, the transition process will require comprehensive coordination among these entities.

The ISS Successor

So, what happens post the ISS? The field is opening for commercial enterprises, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, to step into the gap left by the ISS. NASA, in particular, has openly expressed its intention to transition to a model where low Earth orbit is largely commercialized. The Lunar Gateway, a small space station proposed to orbit around the Moon, is also being projected as a valuable successor to the ISS.

The International Impact

The de-orbiting of the ISS represents a critical juncture in space exploration. The ISS has always been an emblem of international collaboration and shared scientific pursuit. Thus, its transition symbolizes a new era of international cooperation and private-public partnerships in space exploration.

Conclusion

The 'great transition' of the ISS instigates a ponderous moment for humanity. As we prepare for the end of an era of space exploration, we also find ourselves on the threshold of a new, exciting epoch. It is the perfect reflection of an ongoing cycle of human endeavours - where every conclusion leads to a new inception.

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