NASA has pulled out of the International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) in 2025 due to the current regulatory and budgetary environment. The decision was made by the Administration, which aims to maintain a U.S. lead in space exploration.
The ISSRDC aimed to promote the value of an American-led space station, but instead of taking this approach, NASA chose to cancel the conference. This move has sparked concerns about the future of the agency and its role in space exploration.
In a statement, the International Space Station National Lab expressed that it had determined the cancellation was necessary due to the current environment. However, the lab plans to partner with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for a new joint event in 2026. This partnership will bring together the strengths of both organizations to foster innovation and collaboration.
The ISSRDC’s cancellation has raised concerns about the country’s position in space exploration, with some speculating that China and Russia may become dominant players in the future. The statement from the International Space Station National Lab highlights the importance of strong community growth and innovation in space research.
Source: https://nasawatch.com/iss-news/issrdc-2025-cancellation-update