Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, recently suggested that it's time to retire the International Space Station (ISS) to focus on missions to Mars. In a statement on social media, Musk shared, "It is time to start preparing for the ISS's deorbit. It has fulfilled its purpose. Its additional utility is minimal. Let's shift our focus to Mars."
Last year, NASA revealed that SpaceX, Musk's aerospace manufacturing company, was chosen to develop a vehicle to deorbit the ISS. As stated by NASA, "As we shift towards commercially owned space destinations that are nearer, it is vital to plan for the controlled, safe, and responsible deorbit of the ISS after its operational lifespan ends in 2030." The agency also added that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and supply the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle that will facilitate the station's deorbit, ensuring there's no risk to populated areas.
Musk, however, suggested that the space station should be deorbited sooner. He proposed this should occur within the next two years, although he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the President.
Former NASA astronaut and ISS Commander, Leroy Chiao, voiced his belief that the station is a valuable research lab and test location for systems required in future Mars missions. He stated, "I wholly concur that Mars is our next significant objective. However, the ISS plays a vital role in reaching that goal."
In the same vein, Musk criticized former ISS Commander Andreas Mogensen after he disputed Musk's assertion that two astronauts remaining on the station were there due to political decisions by the current administration. Musk countered by claiming that SpaceX could have returned the astronauts months ago and that the administration had rejected this offer.