Last week's record re-boost from ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) pushed the International Space Station 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) higher to an orbit of 345 kilometres (214 miles) above Earth. This was the second re-boost carried out by the ATV, a mission (dubbed "Jules Verne") that has surpassed all expectations. In fact, the ATV has [...]

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My question is, why do they feel the need to deorbit the ATV and let it burn up in the atmosphere?

The astronauts have been using it for much needed extra space, and there's no reason why it shouldn't continue to serve that function. You could weld it to the side of the ISS and then cut a hole through for access, or if that's too difficult simply leave it docked to the station when there's no other visitors around and nudge it away when someone else needs to dock.

Seems like a collosal waste. What we send up should stay up. You never know when the materials will be needed.

Why are the sleeping arrangements controled like that?

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