Elon Musk has called for the International Space Station (ISS) to be deorbited by 2027, arguing that it has outlived its usefulness.

He suggested preparations begin within two years, ahead of the original 2030 deorbit plan.

Musk’s statement comes amid NASA’s budget concerns and uncertainty, while international partners like the European Space Agency and Russia expect the ISS to remain operational until at least 2028.

The proposal has significant commercial and political implications, as private companies are planning their own space stations, and an early ISS end could affect SpaceX’s contracts, The Register has reported.

However, the decision requires approval from NASA and international space agencies.

Written by B.C. Begley