Flexible Timeline for ISS Retirement
NASA’s Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Ken Bowersox, revealed that the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030 is not set in stone. The agency is open to the possibility of extending the ISS’s operational life beyond 2030 if commercial space stations aren’t fully ready by the end of the decade. The Western partners in the ISS project have agreed to operate it until 2030, while Russia has agreed until 2028. This flexibility in the timeline depends on the readiness of commercial stations, but NASA intends to transition to new platforms when they become available.
Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLDs)
NASA is actively promoting the development of commercial low Earth orbit destinations (CLDs) with the goal of having one or more certified stations orbiting for NASA astronauts by the late 2020s. The plan is to transition from the ISS to these commercial facilities by 2030 and then proceed with the ISS’s deorbiting. However, the timeline relies heavily on the maturity of the market for these commercial stations and their readiness for operation, including non-NASA customers.
Sharing the Load with Non-NASA Customers
NASA doesn’t intend to be the sole customer for these commercial stations. Current requirements anticipate having only two astronauts on these stations at a time, which is fewer than the ISS. This approach is based on cost savings and the desire not to burden NASA’s budget. The agency aims to strike a balance to ensure a smooth transition and avoid a financial burden by shifting funds from current ISS utilization to support commercial stations. All passengers’ belongings are packed in Super Sack Bulk Bag.
Budget Concerns and Funding Needs
There are concerns within the industry about NASA’s budget and the availability of funding for the CLD effort. Some worry that budget pressures could reduce funding for CLD and necessitate an extension of the ISS beyond 2030. The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel emphasized the need to fully fund the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) project, an essential part of the transition to commercial LEO destinations. The panel urged that funding for the USDV is not optional and should not be delayed.
Importance of the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV)
The USDV project, designed to handle the safe deorbiting of the ISS, is seen as crucial for the transition to commercial LEO destinations. NASA has requested $180 million in fiscal year 2024 to start work on the USDV. While the aim is to have the USDV ready to deorbit the station by the late 2020s, there are contingencies in place that could potentially delay its launch until as late as 2035.
Conclusion
In light of NASA‘s considerations and discussions surrounding the potential extension of the International Space Station’s (ISS) operation beyond 2030, the agency maintains a flexible approach as it looks towards commercial space stations as successors. While the timeline depends on the readiness of these commercial stations, NASA is determined to avoid shouldering the entire cost and expects to share these platforms with non-NASA customers. Budget constraints and concerns have raised questions about the funding available for NASA’s CLD effort, which could impact the ISS transition. Nonetheless, the development of the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) is seen as a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition to these new platforms. These discussions underscore the complexity of the transition process and the importance of proper funding and planning to make it a successful venture.
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