A familiar sight overhead is approaching the end of its lifespan.
The satellite called I-S-S
in 2030 will complete
its mission, and then acquiesce;
age rendering it obsolete.
With ten years needed for assembly,
every step fastidious:
ensuring orbit wasn’t trembly,
keep loose parts from hitting us.
Scientists and astronauts
have now for decades crammed inside,
eating food best thought ersatz,
most meals of which have been freeze-dried.
NASA planned this once before, but
now, in nine years, black and scarred –
an ocean target for de-orbit.
Still… stay out of your backyard.
Rhyme For The News 