NASA’s Plan for Deorbiting ISS Contingent Upon Russia’s Plans Written 23 September 2024

ISS-fully-assembled-NASA

Artist's concept depicts the completely assembled International Space Station passing over the Straits of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea. | Credit: NASA

Ars Technica reports, “Assuming the ISS international partners will retire the laboratory as planned in 2030, the final deorbit maneuver could happen in early 2031. NASA would like to have the deorbit vehicle ready for launch in 2029, up to a year and a half before the space station's final plunge. If these dates hold, the final crew for the ISS would likely launch in late 2029 and remain aboard the complex for a year, then come home before the final deorbit burns to guide the massive lab back into the atmosphere.”
Full Story (Ars Technica)