NASA announced plans for the controlled re-entry of the International Space Station (ISS) into the Pacific Ocean in 2031
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA announced plans for the controlled re-entry of the International Space Station (ISS) into the Pacific Ocean in 2031, sparking environmental concerns regarding deep-sea debris.
Background
The ISS is scheduled to complete its mission around 2030, with a controlled re-entry planned for 2031. NASA intends to guide the station's debris toward Point Nemo, a remote region in the South Pacific Ocean, to minimize risks to human life.
Facts for Prelims
- PlacePoint Nemo: Aremoteregion in the South Pacific Ocean known as the 'spacecraft cemetery' for satellite disposal.
- S&TISS: The International Space Station is a modular space station in low Earth orbit.
- FactNASA plans the controlled re-entry of the ISS into the Pacific Ocean in 2031.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the environmental and ecological implications of space debris and the disposal of large-scale space infrastructure in international waters.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological risk: Potential toxicity and physical damage to deep-sea biodiversity from non-biodegradable space debris.
- Atmospheric impact: Chemical composition of burning space infrastructure and its effect on the upper atmosphere during re-entry.
Keywords: Space Debris · Deep-sea Ecosystems · Controlled Re-entry · Space Sustainability · Point Nemo
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