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Let's say they decide to put it out of commission. How do they get rid of it? Regular orbit needs to be actively maintained, I think. Will they let it enter the

by rapnie 5y ago

Let's say they decide to put it out of commission. How do they get rid of it? Regular orbit needs to be actively maintained, I think. Will they let it enter the atmosphere, whole or in chunks?

yardie 5y ago
Most components of ISS were brought up by shuttle. It will need to be disassembled and brought down by the next generation of shuttle. I don't think it was designed for controlled re-entry. And dismantling it for re-entry is going to get super complicated and dangerous.
- noja 5y ago
  The shuttle has heat shields which disintegrate on re-entry. Could the ISS be kept at that altitude to safely destroy it?