Part 5/9:
As Musk and others debate the timeline for the ISS's retirement, the aging infrastructure of the station cannot be ignored. Launched in 1998, the ISS has been home to astronauts for over 23 years, but recent findings have raised safety concerns. Issues such as air leaks, most notably in the Russian segment of the station, highlight the wear and tear on its systems. Experts have suggested that these issues could compromise astronaut safety, leading many to advocate for a well-planned retirement before potential accidents occur.