International Space Station to crash into the Pacific Ocean in 2031, NASA announces

NASA said that it plans to retire the International Space Station in 2031 by crashing it into the Pacific Ocean. Phil McAlister, director of commercial space at NASA Headquarters, said in a press release that the private sector will be taking the lead on space travel in the future and that NASA will help ensure a smooth transition. 

"The private sector is technically and financially capable of developing and operating commercial low-Earth orbit destinations, with NASA's assistance," he said. "We look forward to sharing our lessons learned and operations experience with the private sector to help them develop safe, reliable, and cost-effective destinations in space."

NASA's aim is to use the commercial ventures to purchase the goods and services that the agency needs, instead of providing all of their own services.