# SpaceX’s Dragon Thrusters: A New Phase for ISS Propulsion and Autonomy
The International Space Station (ISS) has been a representation of global cooperation in space for many years, benefiting from contributions from numerous nations, including the United States and Russia. A vital component of keeping the ISS in orbit is its propulsion system, predominantly handled by the Russian portion of the station. However, advancements in space technology, especially from SpaceX, may indicate a potential change in how the ISS is controlled and sustained in orbit, possibly diminishing reliance on Russian systems.
## The Contribution of Russian Propulsion on the ISS
Traditionally, most of the ISS’s propulsion has been supplied by the Russian segment, largely through the Progress spacecraft. These vehicles are tasked with periodic “reboosts” of the station, which are essential to counteract the gradual decline of the ISS’s orbit due to atmospheric drag. Furthermore, the Russian segment is crucial in adjusting the station’s attitude (its orientation in space) and preventing possible collisions with space debris.
Nonetheless, with increasing geopolitical tensions, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, concerns regarding the future of this partnership have intensified. Although collaborations at the engineer level between NASA and Roscosmos continue to be strong, the political environment has introduced uncertainty regarding the long-term cooperation between the two space agencies. Russia has committed to supporting the ISS only until 2028, while NASA intends to maintain the station’s operations until 2030.
## SpaceX’s Dragon: A Fresh Possibility for ISS Autonomy
Given these uncertainties, NASA is investigating alternative strategies to uphold the ISS’s orbit and guarantee its ongoing operations. One of the most encouraging advancements comes from SpaceX and its Dragon spacecraft.
During a recent mission, SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon spacecraft docked with the ISS, delivering around 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) of supplies and scientific experiments. Although this mission was routine in many aspects, it represented a notable achievement for NASA and SpaceX. For the first time, the Dragon spacecraft is set to conduct a “reboost and attitude control demonstration,” assessing its capability to maneuver the ISS using its Draco thrusters.
### The Draco Thrusters
The Dragon spacecraft is outfitted with 16 Draco thrusters, each generating roughly 90 pounds of thrust. These thrusters are usually employed for maneuvering the spacecraft in orbit and for deorbit burns during re-entry to Earth. However, the forthcoming test will prioritize the thrusters situated in the “service section” of the spacecraft, located at the rear of the capsule. These thrusters, typically utilized for in-orbit maneuvers, will be leveraged to modify the ISS’s orbit and orientation.
As per Jared Metter, SpaceX’s director of flight reliability, the burn is expected to last about 12.5 minutes. The data gathered from this trial will be crucial for evaluating the Draco thrusters’ performance and their potential to provide sustained propulsion for the ISS.
### Future Considerations
This test extends beyond merely showcasing the Dragon spacecraft’s capabilities; it holds significant implications for the ISS’s future. SpaceX is currently developing a revised version of the Dragon spacecraft, designed to enable the deorbiting of the ISS at the end of its operational lifespan, which is currently anticipated for 2030. The insights gained from this test will assist SpaceX and NASA in understanding the amount of thrust the Draco engines can supply when maneuvering the considerably larger ISS, ultimately guiding it toward a safe re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Yet, the importance of this test transcends deorbiting. If successful, the Dragon spacecraft could offer NASA a dependable alternative to the Russian propulsion systems presently used to maintain the ISS’s orbit. This would provide a vital capability, particularly if geopolitical tensions escalate or if Russia opts to withdraw from the ISS program before 2030.
## Decreasing Dependence on Russian Systems
The potential for Dragon to address some of the ISS’s propulsion requirements is especially significant in light of the current geopolitical atmosphere. While public discourse between NASA and Roscosmos has softened since the departure of Dmitry Rogozin as Roscosmos director in 2022, the underlying tensions persist. The risk of Russia pulling out of the ISS program or even detaching its segment from the rest of the station remains a real concern for NASA.
Should the Russian segment become inaccessible, NASA would require an alternative approach to keep the ISS in orbit. While Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft has already shown some propulsive capabilities, the Dragon spacecraft presents a more feasible solution. With one or more Dragon capsules typically docked to the ISS, NASA would maintain a continuous, reliable method for sustaining the station’s orbit and orientation, even without Russian aid.
## A Move Toward ISS Autonomy
The upcoming reboost and attitude control demonstration represents a vital advance toward securing the ISS’s long-term sustainability.
