Thought Experiment: Repurposing the ISS – A New Frontier in Space Commercialization

As we approach the end of the International Space Station's (ISS) operational life, the current plan is to deorbit and crash it back to Earth. However, I recently had an idea that takes a different approach—why not sell the ISS to private industry instead of destroying it?

The ISS: A Legacy Worth Preserving

The ISS has been a cornerstone of international space collaboration for over two decades. It has served as a platform for scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation. But rather than seeing its decommissioning as the end of an era, I see it as an opportunity to open new possibilities in space exploration and commercialization.

A Modular Approach to Security

One of the primary concerns with transitioning the ISS to private hands is the sensitive and classified materials it may contain. My proposal addresses this by using one of the ISS modules to house all confidential information and technology. This module could be safely deorbited and destroyed, ensuring that no sensitive data falls into the wrong hands.

The ISS as a Launchpad for the Future

The remaining modules of the ISS could be taken over by private industry and repurposed as a launch platform or construction hub in low Earth orbit (LEO). Imagine the potential: a permanent orbiting platform that serves as a staging area for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By leveraging existing infrastructure, we could save significant time and resources compared to building a new platform from scratch.

The Role of Private Industry

Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other space innovators have already demonstrated their capabilities in managing space operations, including handling space debris, sending and retrieving supplies, and ferrying astronauts to and from space. By taking over the ISS, these companies could extend its life and transform it into a hub for future space exploration.

Space Debris Management and Construction

Another intriguing possibility is repurposing the ISS as a base for managing space debris. With its strategic location and resources, it could become a centre for deploying missions aimed at cleaning up LEO, a growing concern as we continue to launch more satellites and spacecraft.

Additionally, the ISS could serve as a construction platform for building new space stations, satellites, or even spacecraft. This approach could streamline the assembly process and reduce the costs associated with launching heavy materials from Earth.

Logistical and Technological Considerations

Transitioning the ISS to private ownership would undoubtedly require careful planning. Legal, financial, and logistical challenges must be addressed, including ownership transfer, international partnerships, and ongoing maintenance. Moreover, the ISS is aging, and any new owner would need to invest in significant upgrades to ensure it remains safe and operational.

Why Start Over?

In a world where time and resources are precious, it makes little sense to start from scratch when we have a functioning platform already in orbit. By repurposing the ISS, we can preserve its legacy while opening up new opportunities for space exploration and commercialization.

A New Era in Space Exploration

This thought experiment is not just about preserving a piece of history—it's about pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in space. By handing over the ISS to private industry, we could unlock new innovations, accelerate space exploration, and bring us closer to becoming a multi-planetary species.

The future of space is bright, and with the right vision, the ISS could play a pivotal role in shaping it. Why crash it when we can build upon it?