The International Space Station has been a cornerstone in the portfolio of NASA spacecraft since its launch in 1998, but all good things come to an end, and some of NASA’s security advisers are nervous about what’s coming, as reported SpaceNews.
At a meeting of the Aerospace Safety Advisory PanelNASA advisers expressed concern that the commercial space stations that will take over the functions of the International Space Station will not be ready before the ISS crashes into the Pacific Ocean at the end of its useful life in 2030. These space stations are part of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations program. La NASA awarded contracts to Blue Origin, Nanoracks, and Northrop Gumman to design space stations that will help the space agency to leave behind the ISS.
Plans for the transition of the ISS to commercial space stations “are on a precarious path toward their completion on time and within projected resources to maintain a presence from NASA in LEOsaid Patricia Sanders, chair of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.. “This is an area of concern. for us”.
NASA’s decision to put space stations in the hands of private companies will help the agency save a ton of money: NASA reported to Congress of projecting a savings of $1300 million in 2031 and $1800 million per year until 2033. However, these savings could cost the NASTo its presence in low orbit land yes none commercial space station is ready for your launch in 2030, which is a likely possibility. NASA’s Office of the Inspector General said in a 2021 report what future research using microgravity to prepare for manned missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond simply won’t be ready by 2030.
However, NASA is not completely giving up on its space stations. The Lunar Gateway it’s a huge project that will revolutionize NASA’s ability to conduct scientific research and travel to the Moon.