SpaceX Delivers a Novel Method for the ISS to Maintain Its Orbit in Space
SpaceX's Dragon Spacecraft to Provide Reboost and Attitude Control for ISS
SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday at 2:45 a.m. ET, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX. This mission, which carries over 5,000 pounds of supplies to the orbiting lab, also includes a boost kit for the ISS.
The boost kit, a smaller version of one SpaceX is developing for the space station's final deorbit, uses an existing hardware and propellant system design. The propellant system fuels two Draco engines in the spacecraft's trunk, allowing the spacecraft to perform a series of burns throughout the fall to nudge the ISS a little higher in its orbit.
NASA and SpaceX previously tested Dragon's ability to reboost the ISS in November 2024. During the demonstration, Dragon successfully adjusted the station's orbit by 7/100 of a mile at apogee and 7/10 of a mile at perigee.
However, a challenge arises due to the Draco engines not facing the right direction to pull off the boost maneuvers. To overcome this, additional engines aligned with the velocity vector of the ISS will be used for the boost maneuvers.
The boost maneuvers on this mission are a precursor to the deorbit burns planned for the ISS's final deorbit. The ISS is due to retire by 2030, and NASA plans on using a Dragon spacecraft for a series of deorbit burns.
In a notable development, the European Space Agency (ESA) will be responsible for the re-boosting of the International Space Station for the first time in September 2025. This marks a new era in international cooperation for the maintenance of the ISS.
The boost maneuvers will be independent from the one used to fuel Dragon's own engines. The propellant tanks filled with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide ignite when they come in contact with one another for the reboost maneuvers.
The Dragon spacecraft will remain docked to the ISS until December for the reboost maneuvers. This is the longest period a cargo mission has remained docked to the ISS, underscoring the importance of this mission for the maintenance of the space station.
As the ISS continues its vital mission, the collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, and the ESA ensures that the space station will remain operational and in the right orbit for the benefit of all humanity.
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