Part 2/7:
The ISS was initially designed with a lifespan of approximately 15 years. Yet, through maintenance and upgrades, it has continued to function for over 20 years. Nevertheless, engineers and space agencies recognize that the station’s hardware is now beyond its prime, and a decision has been made to deorbit it safely into the Pacific Ocean by 2030. NASA has allocated a substantial $843 million to partner companies, notably SpaceX, to facilitate this controlled deorbiting process and ensure a smooth transition away from the aging station.