NASA Plans Commercial Space Station to Replace ISS by 2030

NASA's Plan for Commercial Space Stations

The Office of Audits, NASA’s internal auditing division, has released a report outlining the agency’s strategy for transitioning from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercially operated space stations. The current plan anticipates a handover to private entities following the ISS’s eventual decommissioning.

ISS Lifespan Extension

Although the ISS is currently slated for retirement in 2024, current projections suggest its operational lifespan will likely extend to 2030. NASA anticipates being able to transfer continuous human presence in low Earth orbit to a commercial provider by this time.

The Need for Continued Research

This audit comprehensively reviews the expenses associated with maintaining and operating the ISS. It also underscores the continuing importance of an orbital research platform.

Such a facility is vital for studying the effects of prolonged spaceflight on humans. It will also facilitate the advancement and validation of technologies crucial for future deep space missions.

Timeline and Potential Challenges

NASA is aiming for a commercial station to be operational by 2028. This would allow for a two-year period of overlap with the ISS before its planned de-orbiting.

However, the report identifies several potential obstacles. These include “limited market demand, inadequate funding, unreliable cost estimates and still-evolving requirements.”

Commercial Development Efforts

Despite these challenges, significant interest exists among private companies in developing commercial orbital destinations.

A collaboration between Nanoracks, Voyager Space, and Lockheed Martin is targeting a 2027 launch.
Blue Origin, in partnership with Sierra Space and Boeing, aims to have its Orbital Reef station operational by 2030.
Axiom Space is actively developing modules for attachment to the ISS, with plans for independent operation as a standalone station by 2028.