NASA has contracted SpaceX for $843 million to develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which will safely bring the ISS out of orbit.

Safety concerns have arisen due to the ISS showing signs of wear, including cracks and leaks, particularly following a leak in the Russian segment.

Experts warn that prematurely deorbiting the ISS could hinder critical scientific research and technological innovations necessary for future space exploration.

SpaceX plans to develop a new vehicle, referred to as a 'tug boat,' to assist in pushing the ISS into the Pacific Ocean upon deorbit.

NASA emphasizes the importance of planning a safe deorbit, supporting operations at the end of the ISS's lifecycle.

As SpaceX prepares for its Crew-10 mission to the ISS, the future of the station remains uncertain amid discussions of its decommissioning.

Any decision regarding the ISS's fate must involve consensus among all international partners, indicating that Musk's statements alone do not dictate policy.

Looking ahead, Musk anticipates the first uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in 2026, with crewed missions to follow in 2028 if initial tests succeed.

The ISS has fostered international cooperation in space, involving five space agencies and astronauts from 18 countries, and has conducted over 4,000 experiments in its 24 years in orbit.

Despite Musk's recommendation, NASA intends to continue utilizing the ISS for essential scientific research until 2030, emphasizing the significance of ongoing projects.

Elon Musk has suggested that the International Space Station (ISS) should be deorbited sooner than its planned retirement in 2030 to prioritize missions to Mars.

The ISS, while nearing the end of its operational lifespan, is still crucial for ongoing scientific research and human performance studies in space.