The International Space Station (ISS) has been home to astronauts for nearly three decades, but its operations will end by the end of 2030. That will leave a significant gap in low Earth orbit. NASA plans to fill it with commercial stations. Meanwhile, the organization insists on maintaining a human presence in space to keep on schedule in preparation for missions to Mars.
NASA recently released the final version of the Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy. The document notes the importance of long-term human missions beyond the ISS. The strategy has been dubbed a continuous heartbeat, symbolizing the need for regular missions lasting six months to a year. This will help reduce risks for future missions to Mars. Flights lasting up to six months would also be beneficial but to a lesser extent.
NASA’s strategy
A key element of this strategy is human involvement. NASA plans to maintain a continuous presence in low-Earth orbit during the transition from ISS to future commercial stations. This will reduce the risks of missions to Mars, maintain operational skills, ensure launch stability, advance science, and collaborate with international and commercial partners.
The ISS will cease operations by 2030. The station will be removed from orbit and burned up in the Earth’s atmosphere. Back in 2021, NASA launched the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Flights program to create a replacement for the ISS. Now the organization does not build stations on its own but acts as a customer, helping commercial partners to create stations that will be used by astronauts.
Commercial substitutes for the ISS
Axiom Space, Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman are developing their own stations to replace the ISS. However, their launch is not expected before five years. During this period, NASA plans to maintain a human presence in space with long-term missions in low-Earth orbit using commercial spacecraft. The main goal is to continue scientific research in microgravity and study human health in space to prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars.
“On the ISS, we have proven that microgravity research is critical to understanding ourselves and our planet,” the report said. In the future, NASA plans to enable governments to use commercial platforms for research that strengthens the economy and improves the quality of life on Earth.
Transition to a new era
The new strategy emphasizes the importance of “supplier diversity”. It indicates that NASA is keen not to depend solely on SpaceX for crew and cargo transport. The organization is also continuing to certify the Boeing Starliner program after previous failures.
The end of the ISS and the transition to commercial platforms reflects a new era in NASA’s approach to space exploration. It is based on cooperation with private companies that will help ensure humanity’s continued presence in low-Earth orbit.
We previously reported about how astronauts will remain aboard the ISS during the fall into Earth’s atmosphere.
Provided by NASA
