For the past two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) has orbited the Earth at an altitude of 408 km, conducting vital research, and hosting astronauts on expedition missions. However, its time in orbit is coming to an end. Expeditions to the ISS have helped humans gain valuable insights into survivability and adaptability in space, and in just a few years, it will be deorbited and safely disposed of to prevent it from becoming space debris. As a part of that process, in this blog, we will discuss the importance and the step-by-step guide for safely deorbiting the ISS at a specific point called the Nemo Point.
Photo by Irina Kraskova on Pexels 1. The Risks of Leaving Space Debris in Orbit
As per NASA, there are more than 26,000 objects larger than 10 cm, over half a million larger than 1 cm, and more than 100 million larger than 1 mm in orbit around Earth, posing significant risks to other spacecraft and the ISS. Space debris can travel at speeds exceeding 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h) and cause severe damage upon impact. The risks of leaving space debris in orbit will only get worse over time as collisions between the debris increase, leading to a chain reaction of debris production, called the Kessler Syndrome, which can make space activities impossible for decades or even centuries.
The Step-by-Step Guide for Deorbiting the ISS at Nemo Point.
To dispose of the ISS safely, its components must be re-entered into the Earth's atmosphere to burn up upon descent. Let's look at the step-by-step guide for safely deorbiting the ISS at Nemo Point.
Preparing for Deorbiting Before the deorbit process, the ISS crew must prepare the station for deactivation and safe decommissioning. This step includes reviewing standard deorbit procedures, inspecting the components, and ensuring the station is ready for the last deorbit burn.
Correcting the ISS's Trajectory The ISS orbit typically decays over time due to atmospheric drag. When the time comes for deorbiting, the space station must be correctly positioned so that it descends through the densest layer of the atmosphere which will safely burn it up. The desired re-entry point, in this case, is the Nemo Point located in the South Pacific Ocean.
Separating the Modules The ISS is made up of several components, which must be separated before the deorbit burn. Crew members detach the Soyuz spacecraft that brought them to the station months earlier, and any other spacecraft that might be docked to the ISS. The station's robotic arm operator then operates the arm to release the hardware modules, such as the supply vessel, and the modules are set away from the ISS.
Engine Firing and Re-entry The final step is to fire the rocket engines of the Zvezda module, which powers the ISS, to reduce the station's speed and initiate its descent. As the ISS comes into contact with the Earth's atmosphere, the components will heat up and break apart into small pieces, burning up as they re-enter the atmosphere. The ISS's heavier modules, such as the Zvezda module, will reach the Earth's surface at designated disposal sites such as the Nemo Point, where it will be disposed of safely in the South Pacific.
The Benefits of Safe Space Debris Removal
Disposing of the ISS and other space debris serves a broader societal benefit, as it helps ensure the safety of current and future space missions, protecting the future of space exploration and promoting sustainability in space operations.
Protecting the Future of Space Exploration Space is an essential resource for humanity's future, and maintaining it is critical for continued technological progress. As more countries and companies invest in space exploration, the number of spacecraft present in orbit is growing, and so is the amount of space debris. Therefore, proper disposal of spacecraft and debris is essential to prevent collisions and support future endeavors in space.
Promoting Sustainability and Safety in Space Operations The safe disposal of space debris is also critical for promoting sustainability and safety in space operations. Space debris presents a threat not just to currently orbiting spacecraft but also to future spacecraft that rely on safe and unhindered orbits. Removing debris ensures safe and sustainable access to space for all countries and entities interested in exploring beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Conclusion The safe disposal of the ISS and other space debris is essential for the continued growth and progress of space exploration while protecting the Earth from the risks that space debris pose. Inthis blog, we discussed the importance of safely deorbiting the ISS and the step-by-step process needed to achieve that, specifically focusing on the Nemo Point re-entry site. Together, we must take the necessary measures to ensure sustainable and safe space operations for future generations.
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