In a recent post on X, Musk wrote, “It’s time to retire the Space Station and focus on Mars.” He was responding to a post by Mike Haridopolos, representative of Florida’s eighth district, who had shared highlights from former President Donald Trump’s latest tax bill.
The bill, described by Trump as “the one big beautiful bill,” includes $1.25 billion in funding to keep the ISS operational until 2030.
In June 2024, NASA awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to build a special spacecraft that will safely deorbit the ISS by around 2030. While SpaceX will develop the vehicle, NASA will manage the mission and take ownership once it’s ready.
Musk’s recent comments echo his earlier statements. In February, he had said, “It is time to begin preparations for deorbiting the @Space_Station. It has served its purpose. There is very little incremental utility. Let’s go to Mars.”
When asked on X if the ISS should be brought down before 2030, Musk replied, “The decision is up to the President, but my recommendation is as soon as possible. I recommend two years from now.”
Musk has long advocated for making humanity a multiplanetary species. In a post last September, he wrote, “Becoming multiplanetary is critical to ensuring the long-term survival of humanity and all life as we know it.” He has emphasised that the ultimate goal is not just to send people to Mars but to build a self-sustaining city and make humanity a spacefaring civilization.
The ISS, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth, has been in use for over two decades. NASA has confirmed that several of its key systems, including life support and structural components, are reaching the end of their operational life.