Archive · 5 Nov 2025
International Space Station Set for Controlled Splashdown in Pacific by 2030
Imagine a very large house in space, the International Space Station, that astronauts have been living in for over 25 years.
It was built by many countries working together.
But like any old house, it's starting to get old and costs a lot to keep in good shape.
So, the countries have decided it's time to bring it back down to Earth by the year 2030.
They plan to do this very carefully.
A special spaceship being built by a company called SpaceX will help guide the station down.
It will be steered towards a very empty and remote part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo, which is the furthest spot from any land.
Most of the station will burn up in the air as it comes down.
Only the strong, heat-resistant parts will sink to the bottom of the ocean, like a planned ending for this amazing space home.
The International Space Station (ISS) is planned for a controlled deorbit and splashdown by late 2030.
The destination for the deorbit is Point Nemo, a remote oceanic location in the Pacific Ocean, known as the 'spacecraft cemetery'.
SpaceX has been contracted to develop a 'US Deorbit Vehicle', based on a modified Cargo Dragon spacecraft, to manage the deorbit.
The decision to decommission the ISS is due to its aging hardware, rising maintenance costs, and the challenges of maintaining international collaboration.
The ISS has been operational and continuously inhabited for over 25 years, representing a collaboration between NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
- Who
- The International Space Station (ISS) partner nations: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), European Space Agency, JAXA (Japan), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
- What
- The International Space Station will be deorbited and make a controlled splashdown in a remote Pacific Ocean location known as Point Nemo.
- When
- By late 2030.
- Where
- A remote oceanic area in the Pacific Ocean known as Point Nemo, also referred to as the 'spacecraft cemetery'.
- Why
- The ISS is being decommissioned due to aging hardware, increasing maintenance expenses, and the logistical challenges of maintaining global collaboration.
Rationale for Deorbit
Alternative Perspectives
Aging Infrastructure
Rationale for Deorbit
The ISS is nearing the end of its operational life due to aging hardware and increasing maintenance costs.
Alternative Perspectives
While acknowledging aging infrastructure, the emphasis is on the logistical challenges of maintaining global collaboration.
Deorbit Location
Rationale for Deorbit
Point Nemo, a remote and isolated area in the Pacific Ocean, is chosen to minimize risks to shipping and habitation.
Alternative Perspectives
The isolation of Point Nemo, named after Jules Verne's Captain Nemo, makes it an ideal 'spacecraft cemetery' for debris.
- Planned Retirement Date
- Late 2030
- Deorbit Location
- Point Nemo, a remote oceanic area in the Pacific Ocean
- Deorbit Contractor
- SpaceX
- Deorbit Vehicle
- Modified Cargo Dragon spacecraft ('US Deorbit Vehicle')
- ISS Operational Since
- 1998 (launched), November 2000 (continuous habitation)
- ISS Partners
- NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), European Space Agency, JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada)
- ISS Size
- Football pitch
