The aging [International Space Station (ISS)](https://mashable.com/article/international-space-station-flipped-why) may have a well-known [ongoing air leak](https://mashable.com/article/international-space-station-leak-nasa), but it is certainly not in any immediate risk of crashing.
Recently, [NASA](https://mashable.com/category/nasa) responded to a [post](https://x.com/NASA/status/1869479475840536746) on [X](https://mashable.com/category/twitter) (previously known as Twitter) that inaccurately claimed the ISS was nearing de-orbit. The post featured a screenshot from a [4chan thread](https://archive.4plebs.org/pol/thread/491606732/) with a fuzzy graph of altitude data. This misleading assertion gained momentum, racking up nearly 9,000 likes and hundreds of shares by the afternoon of Dec. 18. NASA likely intervened to correct the misinformation before it could spread more widely.
“The International [@Space_Station](https://x.com/Space_Station) continues to orbit the Earth as expected, and the crew onboard is secure. You can monitor the space station’s current trajectory at any time by visiting [https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/tracking_map.cfm](https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/tracking_map.cfm),” NASA announced on X.
This occurrence underscores the [onslaught of misinformation](https://apnews.com/article/x-musk-twitter-misinformation-ccdh-0fa4fec0f703369b93be248461e8005d) that proliferates on X. While the platform provides tools like Community Notes, which enable users to collaboratively add context to potentially deceptive posts, these functionalities do not always address false claims rapidly or effectively. Consequently, misinformation can [circulate unchecked](https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2024/how-elon-musk-twitter-takeover-accelerated-misinformation/), especially among individuals who are drawn to narratives that make them [feel unique or superior](https://mashable.com/article/qanon-conspiracy-theory-help).
In this instance, NASA’s communications team opted to reply directly, aiming to enlighten users and reduce the spread of the false assertion. While such measures may not dissuade conspiracy theorists, they can assist in educating the wider public and lessening the effects of misinformation.
NASA has long-term objectives for the ISS, projecting that it will stay active and continue scientific investigations until around 2031. At that time, a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, created by [SpaceX](https://mashable.com/category/spacex), will expertly guide the station back to Earth, ensuring it avoids populated regions during reentry. Following the ISS’s retirement, NASA foresees that [commercial space stations](https://mashable.com/article/space-station-future-spacex-launch-vast) will assume responsibility for maintaining a U.S. presence in low-Earth orbit.
For the time being, the ISS remains a prominent and breathtaking sight in the night sky. As the largest structure ever constructed in [space](https://mashable.com/category/space), it reflects sunlight brilliantly, making it the second-brightest object after the [moon](https://mashable.com/article/moon-facts). You can monitor its path and discover opportunities to see it overhead at [spotthestation.nasa.gov](http://spotthestation.nasa.gov).
Rest assured, the ISS is still up there, orbiting as scheduled.