NASA will pay SpaceX nearly $1B to deorbit the International Space Station

“NASA has awarded an $843 million contract to SpaceX to develop a “US Deorbit Vehicle.” This spacecraft will dock to the International Space Station in 2029 and then ensure the large facility makes a controlled reentry through Earth’s atmosphere before splashing into the ocean in 2030. ‘Selecting a US Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations,’ said Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for Space Operations, in a statement. ‘This decision also supports NASA’s plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth.’” (Ars Technica)

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, approaches the International Space Station for docking. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, Calypso, encountered technical challenges that have extended the mission of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on its first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS). While engineers work diligently to resolve issues with the propulsion system and thrusters, NASA officials assure that the astronauts remain safe on the well-provisioned ISS. Their return has been put on hold to allow engineers more time to troubleshoot hardware problems that emerged on the spacecraft after launch. (via Scientific American)

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