NASA has finalized a strategy for sustaining human presence in space, focusing on maintaining the ability for extended stays in orbit after the International Space Station (ISS) is retired in 2030. The plan, known as the “Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy,” aims to guide the agency toward the next generation of continuous human presence in orbit and enable greater economic growth.
The strategy takes into account concerns from commercial and international partners about what it would mean to lose the ISS without a commercial station ready to go. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy stated that “continuous presence is continuous heartbeat” and that the United States must maintain its leadership in human spaceflight.
Three companies, including Voyager, are working with NASA to develop commercial space stations. The agency has awarded contracts to these companies, which include Nanoracks (now part of Voyager Space) and Blue Origin. Despite budget constraints, Melroy believes that the strategy can still come together before 2030.
Voyager plans to launch its starship space station in 2028, while Vast Space is set to unveil concepts for its Haven modules next year. The competition among companies to develop commercial space stations is seen as crucial to the success of NASA’s plan.
The new strategy emphasizes the importance of private partnerships and international collaborations to achieve a continuous human presence in space. With the Trump administration’s efforts to cut spending, there are concerns about whether NASA will face cuts. However, Melroy maintains that the agency is committed to its priorities and is working with industry partners to make it happen.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/science/nasa-finalizes-strategy-human-presence-space