The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing for the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030 after nearly 25 years in space, as the ISS, a joint effort of several countries, is reaching the end of its operational life.

While NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency have committed to operating the space station until 2030, Russia has committed only until 2028.

As reported by Indian Express, to safely bring down the ISS, NASA is developing a special spacecraft known as the “US Deorbit Vehicle”.

This vehicle will help guide the ISS to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere over the South Pacific Ocean.

The plan is expected to cost around $1 billion, and NASA is seeking $180 million for the fiscal year 2024 to begin developing this technology.

The delicate matter involves aerospace engineering and international diplomacy, as the ISS is primarily a creation of the United States and Russia.

With strained relations due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent incidents questioning Russian space capabilities, NASA aims to take a leading role in developing an American deorbiting vehicle.