SpaceX's Dragon to Boost the ISS: A Historic First Step Towards Deorbit / A New Era of Space Station Operations
Matilda
SpaceX's Dragon to Boost the ISS: A Historic First Step Towards Deorbit / A New Era of Space Station Operations
In a significant milestone for both SpaceX and the International Space Station (ISS), a Dragon cargo spacecraft is poised to perform a historic reboost maneuver. This event marks the first time a SpaceX vehicle will elevate the ISS's orbit, a crucial step towards the eventual decommissioning of the aging space station. Why the Reboost is Necessary The ISS, orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers), is constantly subjected to the subtle drag of Earth's atmosphere. This atmospheric drag gradually slows the station, causing it to descend to a lower orbit. To counteract this effect and maintain the desired altitude, periodic reboost maneuvers are essential. Historically, Russian Soyuz spacecraft have been the primary vehicles responsible for these reboost operations. However, as the geopolitical landscape evolves, SpaceX's increasing capabilities are positioning the company to play a pivotal role in the future of the ISS. SpaceX's Role in ISS De…
