This week, Elon Musk proposed deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS), claiming it has fulfilled its purpose and lacks further utility. He suggested that preparations for this move should start immediately and that the timeline for deorbiting be advanced from 2030 to just two years from now. Musk’s comments have ignited concerns from space experts who emphasise the ISS’s crucial role in scientific research, technological advancements, and international collaboration. Jordan Bimm, a space historian, lamented the loss of valuable insights gained from years of microgravity research, especially regarding human health in space.
With over 4,000 experiments conducted aboard the ISS since its launch, it has opened new doors in biology, earth sciences, and human health. Unique microgravity conditions enable impossible experiments on Earth. Bimm elaborated that understanding the human body’s responses to long-term microgravity can inform future missions to the Moon and Mars, emphasising the significance of countermeasures developed through ISS research to combat muscle and bone loss in astronauts.
Moreover, the ISS has been a catalyst for innovation and technology in space manufacturing. David Alexander from the Rice Space Institute highlighted the breakthroughs in areas like DNA sequencing and water purification, showcasing that advancements made on the ISS can also enhance life on Earth. The unique environment is ripe for developing high-purity pharmaceuticals and advanced materials that can improve communication technologies.
The ISS also plays a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation through its educational programmes. Students have the chance to engage directly with astronauts via amateur radio and participate in virtual missions that foster interest in STEM fields. Such interactions leave unforgettable impressions on young minds, nurturing future scientists and explorers.
Beyond technology and education, the ISS serves a vital diplomatic purpose by uniting multiple countries in a long-term cooperative project. Established through international collaboration, the ISS showcases how nations can overcome differences for a common goal. With astronauts from 18 countries working together, the ISS symbolizes global partnerships and strengthens ties in space exploration.
Elon Musk has advocated for deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS), asserting it has completed its mission. However, experts stress the ISS’s essential contributions to scientific research, technological innovation, education, and international collaboration, warning that ending its operations too early could hinder important future space endeavours.
In summary, while Elon Musk has called for the deorbiting of the ISS, experts warn against the premature end of a platform that has vastly contributed to science, technology, education, and international diplomacy. The ISS continues to provide invaluable insights into living and working in space while fostering collaboration among nations. Maintaining the ISS will be crucial for future space exploration missions, especially those aiming for Mars and beyond.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
