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The station was built in pieces out of modules. Just as modules were added, they can be removed, I would assume. Moving it to a higher orbit and just leaving i
by bagels 2y ago
The station was built in pieces out of modules. Just as modules were added, they can be removed, I would assume.
Moving it to a higher orbit and just leaving it there is a way to ensure there's a long lived source of space debris. The sealing it up part kind of implies there wouldn't be any crew or supplies needed, but the thing will suffer collisions and decay (fall apart) on its own.
- lobsterthief 2y agoI don’t think that’s a safe assumption. These modules have been modified many times and might have used destructive techniques during installation. Dangerous space walks might also have been involved that would need repeating in order to disconnect them. Also, it’s unlikely they’re designed to withstand the vacuum of space once removed, so new assemblies would be needed to protect things while removing them. Either way, the residual value of these systems is far less than the cost to produce them initially. Source: Worked in aerospace for a number of years