UNITED STATES: In a pivotal step towards the planned conclusion of the International Space Station (ISS) program, NASA has called upon U.S. industry leaders to submit proposals for the creation of a cutting-edge “space tug.”
This space tug, formally known as the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), will play a critical role in orchestrating the controlled descent of the ISS into Earth’s atmosphere, slated for the early 2030s.
The USDV will be tasked with the responsible deorbiting of the U.S. segment of the station, setting the stage for an era of industry-driven space stations and burgeoning commercial research initiatives.
While the Russian Progress cargo vehicle has been instrumental in boosting the ISS’ orbit, NASA asserts that a more robust and specialized spacecraft is required for this delicate deorbiting operation.
Proposals for the USDV are due by November 17, with vendors given the latitude to shape the vehicle’s design and determine the optimal payment structure. Options include a firm fixed price or cost plus an incentive fee for various phases such as design, development, testing, and evaluation.
“Partner contributions are based on mass ownership by agency,” NASA officials highlighted, emphasizing the shared responsibility among international partners for the ISS deorbit.
While specifics on how other main international partners will remove their respective sections from orbit were not provided, NASA assured that the process will be executed collaboratively.
The USDV project represents a significant development endeavour, requiring years of meticulous design, testing, and certification. As the initiative moves forward, the global partners involved in the ISS project, including Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, will work in concert with NASA to ensure a seamless transition into this new era of space exploration.
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