NASA finalizes strategy for human presence in space

This week, NASA finalized its strategy for maintaining a human presence in space. One document emphasized the importance of maintaining the International Space Station's ability to remain in orbit for long periods after it is retired.

“NASA's Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy will guide NASA toward the next generation of continued human presence in orbit, enable greater economic growth, and sustain international partnerships. ” the document states.

The commitment comes amid questions about whether the new space station will be ready. There are also concerns that NASA could face cuts as the incoming Trump administration seeks to cut spending through the Department of Government Efficiency.

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“Just like everyone has to make difficult decisions when budgets are tight, we have made several decisions over the last year, including cutting programs or canceling them altogether in order to actually focus on our top priorities. “We have made that choice,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

Commercial space company Voyager is developing one of the space stations that will replace the International Space Station when it leaves orbit in 2030. The company praised NASA's strategy to keep humans in space.

“Investors are saying, 'Is the United States committed?' and we need that commitment,” said Jeffrey Manber, Voyager's president of international and space station operations.

President Reagan was the first to begin efforts to permanently put humans in space. He also warned of the need for private partnerships.

President Reagan said in his 1984 State of the Union address, “America has always been great when we had the courage to be great. We can reach greatness.” “The space transportation market may exceed our development capabilities.”

Voyager Space International and Space Station President Jeffrey Manber praised NASA's efforts in researching how to maintain a human presence in space. (Related news organizations)

The first part of the ISS was launched in 1998. Since then, we have hosted over 28 people from 23 countries. For 24 years, humans have continuously occupied the ISS.

The Trump administration released a national space policy in 2020 that called for maintaining “a continued human presence in Earth orbit,” while also emphasizing the need to transition to commercial platforms. The Biden administration maintained that policy.

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“Let's say we didn't have a ready commercial station. Technically we could keep the space station running, but the idea was to fly until 2030 and deorbit in 2031.” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. June.

In recent months, doubts have been raised whether this policy will be maintained.

The rendering shows the Voyager spacecraft floating in orbit above Earth. (Voyager Space)

“I want to talk about the elephant in the room for a second, about the continuous existence of humans. What does that mean? Is it a continuous heart rate, or is it a continuous capacity? ?We initially expected this to come out of this process in some form, but we're still talking about it and understanding it,'' Melroy said at the International Astronautical Congress in October.? Ta.

The strategy NASA ultimately developed took into account concerns from commercial and international partners about what it would mean to lose the ISS without a commercial station ready.

“Nearly all of our industry partners agreed: continued presence is a continuing heartbeat. And that's our position,” Melroy said. “I think this continued presence, that's leadership. Today, the United States is leading in human spaceflight. If we don't bring commercial destinations in time, when the ISS leaves orbit. is the only space station in orbit, and we want to continue to be the partner of choice for our industry and NASA's goals.”

Three companies, including Voyager, are working with NASA to develop a commercial space station. Axiom signs contract with NASA The agency signed an agreement with Nanoracks, now part of Voyager Space, and Blue Origin in 2021.

The rendering shows the Voyager spacecraft passing in front of the moon from a distance. (Voyager Space)

“To be honest, we've had some challenges. With the budget cap, which is the reduced agreement between the White House and Congress for fiscal years (2024 and 2025), we've had some challenges. We are no longer able to make many investments. We believe that by co-investing with commercial partners and advancing development, we will be able to get a commercial space station up and running and continue to operate it. We have astronauts in orbit,” Melroy said.

Voyager says the development process is not delayed and it plans to launch the spacecraft space station in 2028.

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“We're not looking for more money. We're moving forward. We're ready to replace the International Space Station,” Manber said. ”SpaceX that everyone knowsbut there are hundreds of companies that have created the space economy. And when we lose our permanent presence, we lose that supply chain. ”

Since the first space station contract, additional funding has been provided to three companies. Second round funding may be important for some projects. NASA may also fund a proposal for a new space station. One candidate location is Long Beach, California, which is a vast area. The company recently announced the Haven module concept. The company plans to release Haven-1 as early as next year.

“We absolutely think competition is important. This is a development project. It's challenging. Building the space station has been difficult. We're asking our commercial partners to take our backs. We think it's really important.'' We're going to make sure we have as many options as possible and see what really works when we get there. It’s important that we do that,” Melroy said.