NASA expects SpaceX to complete the development of the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) in the second half of 2028. Dana Weigel, who oversees NASA's low Earth orbit programs, confirmed that the company will be responsible for storing and maintaining the spacecraft until it is prepared for launch.
The mission schedule involves launching the USDV to the International Space Station in mid-2029. The final controlled deorbit and subsequent ocean disposal of the station are currently planned for the end of 2030. The vehicle will be integrated with its launch rocket prior to the mission.
The USDV is specifically engineered to ensure the safe and controlled destruction of the station as its operational lifespan concludes. Previously, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov stated that Russia agreed to extend its participation in the ISS program until 2030, noting this will not impact the development of the Russian Orbital Station.
