Before it comes down, what should be saved from the International Space Station?

So, here’s a question — what do we save from the International Space Station before it’s gone? According to Robert Pearlman writing in Ars Technica, the ISS, which has been humanity’s longest-lasting presence in space, is headed for deorbit around 2030. And honestly, the big challenge isn’t just the end, but what to do with it. The Smithsonian’s panel discussion, highlighted by Pearlman, brought together space officials, curators, and even an archeologist, all pondering how to preserve this historic piece of our story. The issue is clear: the station’s size and complexity make full preservation impossible. So what’s the plan? Some suggest salvaging key modules or artifacts, turning them into museum pieces or educational tools. But here’s what’s fascinating — this debate isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about deciding what of our shared human achievement should survive, and how to honor its legacy. The real question isn’t just about an end, but about what we choose to save from this giant leap for mankind.