posted 01-25-2018 08:01 AM               

Any budget proposal from the Trump administration will also be subject to scrutiny and approval by Congress. But even announcing the intention to cancel ISS funding could send a signal to NASA's international partners that the US is no longer interested in continuing the program. Many of NASA's partners still have yet to decide if they'd like to continue working on the station beyond 2024.

The spending proposal also could spark opposition from U.S. lawmakers who have been demanding a detailed blueprint for shifting station function to private entities. NASA missed a December deadline to submit one.

The proposed budget is expected to earmark some $100 million in seed money for what NASA envisions will be private spaceships, corporate research and other nongovernmental activities in low-earth orbit.

Many career agency engineers and managers favor extending station operations to 2028, so White House space and budget officials drafted parts of the proposal over their objections, according to one person familiar with the debate.

posted 01-25-2018 02:07 PM               

If the administration plans to abruptly pull us out of the International Space Station in 2025, they're going to have a fight on their hands. Such a move would likely decimate Florida's blossoming commercial space industry, which is one of the reasons why Congress has directed NASA to look at extending the ISS to 2028 and to provide a plan to help scientists and researchers continue experimenting in low-Earth orbit beyond that.

posted 01-26-2018 09:28 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by denali414:
...have not seen any of the companies that ... want to actually fund their own private station.

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It doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. ISS operations should continue provided there are aggressive initiatives to use commercial platforms for human space operations in parallel with the continued use of the ISS until such time that NASA can safely relieve itself of the enormous financial burden.

posted 01-27-2018 08:08 AM               

...until such time that NASA can safely relieve itself of the enormous financial burden.

Bigelow obviously wants government grants (aggressive initiatives) to help his and other companies defray the upfront costs of daily running of ISS until their commercial objectives can provide cash flow. That in my opinion is the hardest part of this — how to schedule and get competitive companies to share the cost of running ISS without NASA under some kind of payment schedule.

posted 01-27-2018 08:50 AM               

Could the truss system be moved out of LEO by strap-on rocket assist and say be placed into lunar orbit for onward movement platform in the exploration of deep space?

posted 01-27-2018 09:42 AM               

Logistically, it would require a lot of spacewalks, putting astronauts lives at increased risk, and would have to be done without the benefit of an independent robotic arm (such as the space shuttle's Canadarm, which served the purpose during assembly).

NASA's plans for a lunar orbital outpost (i.e. gateway) do not include a truss and instead of reusing modules already on orbit, the agency's commercial partners are looking at repurposing space station hardware still on the ground (such as the MPLM).

posted 02-04-2018 12:20 PM               

I want to reassure the scientists, engineers and astronauts at NASA that I will fully fund the International Space Station, and I will do everything in my power to keep the International Space Station flying as long as the safety engineers tell us it is feasible to do so.

posted 02-11-2018 04:41 PM               

...it does not intend to abandon the orbiting laboratory altogether and is working on a transition plan that could turn the station over to the private sector, according to an internal NASA document obtained by The Washington Post.

"The decision to end direct federal support for the ISS in 2025 does not imply that the platform itself will be deorbited at that time — it is possible that industry could continue to operate certain elements or capabilities of the ISS as part of a future commercial platform," the document states. "NASA will expand international and commercial partnerships over the next seven years in order to ensure continued human access to and presence in low Earth orbit."

In its budget request, to be released Monday, the administration would request $150 million in fiscal year 2019, with more in additional years "to enable the development and maturation of commercial entities and capabilities which will ensure that commercial successors to the ISS — potentially including elements of the ISS — are operational when they are needed."

posted 02-12-2018 01:21 AM               

This seems to be that the possibility of the shuttle and Freedom space station all over again, where the US has a destination and no ship or a ship and no destination.

I believe that the ISS and a deep space habitat could provide better support for lunar and Mars missions, where crew fly to ISS on Dragon and transfer from ISS to deep space or the moon using Orion. This would save Orion launch costs and prevent expendable SLS rockets being dropped in the ocean, provide long duration Orion operations, allow crew change at lower cost, prolong low Earth orbit operations, allow many environmental and science missions to be done from ISS or Orion and give NASA experience with deeper space travel.

posted 04-18-2018 10:40 AM               

At the Space Symposium in Colorado this week, I'm excited to continue sharing with the national and international space community NASA's progress and our path forward back to the Moon and destinations beyond.

In particular, I'm looking forward to continuing discussions we've already begun with our partners about the next phase of the International Space Station's life beyond 2024, when we plan to end direct government funding of it.

I want to assure everyone that our involvement with station is not planned to end abruptly or without thoughtful consideration of how to transition this amazing resource. The ISS team and all the astronauts who helped us build it have been delivering on the ISS' promise for more than two decades now, with incredible international labs, hundreds of experiments and use by many people who previously had no access to space, and perhaps most importantly as a great source of inspiration. I still can't get over the fact that a high school senior this year has never known a time when humans haven't been living and working in space. I want that to remain so as we build on that record every single year.

Late last month, we delivered to Congress a report as part of an action in the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 evaluating the ISS as a platform for research, deep space exploration, and low-Earth orbit (LEO) spaceflight in partnership with our international partners, and the commercial space sector. I hope you've all had a chance to take a look at the report.

As we begin our missions to the Moon and beyond in the coming years, NASA will continue to have a need in LEO for regular crewed operations, long-term technology and systems development and demonstrations, space and life sciences research, and opportunities for astrophysics, space, and Earth science research.

The report lays out the principles by which NASA and its stakeholders will ensure uninterrupted access to low-Earth orbit, including the continuity of human spaceflight, and a vibrant and competitive industrial base.

While the report reaffirms NASA's commitment to its international partnership for the space station, it also makes a commitment to seeking new partners in low-Earth orbit and beyond as NASA leads a coalition deeper into space. One reason we're starting the discussions now about the ISS beyond 2024 is so we have plenty of time to evaluate options and plan for a viable path forward. Ideally, we'd become one of many customers purchasing services from the ISS and other assets in low-Earth orbit by that time.

In the FY19 budget currently working through its annual process, there's $150 million for companies to submit proposals about what their interests might be in playing a part in the commercialization of the ISS.

Tests flights later this year of the systems of our industry partners to take astronauts to space will also be significant milestones on our road to the ongoing transformation of LEO and its essential contributions toward our overall strategy in space.

The ISS represents an unparalleled capability in human spaceflight that is increasing knowledge of engineering and physical sciences, biology, our home planet, and the universe through its hundreds of research and technology demonstrations. And, it provides the foundation for continuing human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit. I always say, that when we're back at the Moon and going farther, we need to look back and see a vibrant economy in LEO as the support that is helping us to get there and that will continue to transform life on Earth.

I want to thank the teams and crews of the ISS for the great work they continue to accomplish with this amazing orbiting laboratory. ISS is truly the cornerstone of our future human spaceflight journey!

posted 05-17-2018 07:38 AM               

At the hearing, Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the space subcommittee, and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), ranking member of the full Senate Commerce Committee, reiterated their opposition to the proposal included in NASA's fiscal year 2019 budget request to end funding of the ISS in 2025 and transition to commercial facilities in low Earth orbit...

One of the hearing's two witnesses, NASA Inspector General Paul Martin, shared his concerns about the agency's ISS transition plans. He said his office is working on an audit of ISS operations and transition planning to be released in the next few weeks but provided a few observations from that work that undercut NASA's plans.

Martin said he was skeptical that there was a business case for commercialization of the station. "We question whether a sufficient business case exists under which private companies can create a self-sustaining and profit-making business using the ISS independent of significant government funding," he said. "The scant commercial interest shown in the station over its nearly 20 years of operation gives us pause about the agency's current plans."

posted 05-17-2018 03:23 PM               

Charting the Future of a Commercial Space Marketplace

NASA has released a research announcement requesting proposals to study the future of human spaceflight commercialization in low-Earth orbit.

The research announcement solicits industry concepts detailing business plans and viability for habitable platforms, whether using the International Space Station or a separate free-flying structure, that would enable a space economy in low-Earth orbit in which NASA is one of many customers. Concepts should identify ways to stimulate demand for commercial low-Earth orbit services with a goal to sustain the space marketplace. Additionally, the study seeks industry input about the role of government and evolution of the space station in the process of transitioning U.S. human spaceflight activities to a non-governmental commercial human spaceflight enterprise in low-Earth orbit.

As described in its International Space Station Transition Report, NASA will continue to have a need in low-Earth orbit for regular crewed operations, long-term technology development and demonstrations, space and life sciences research, and opportunities for astrophysics, space, and Earth science research. Access to an orbital platform on which to conduct these activities will be key as NASA and its commercial and international partners prepare for crewed missions to the Moon and beyond.

Proposals are due in 30 days and should outline the technical concept as well as a business case and the evolving role of government. Participation in this solicitation is open to all categories of U.S. organizations, including industry, educational institutions and nonprofit institutions. NASA anticipates awarding multiple four-month, fixed priced contracts, not to exceed $1 million per award. Selection is expected to take place in July with the final reports delivered to NASA in the December timeframe.

NASA’s successful investment with a strong and continually growing U.S. space industry in low-Earth orbit allows the agency to focus on farther horizons as private companies continue successfully providing cargo resupply missions to low-Earth orbit and move purposefully toward once again launching astronauts from American soil. This commercial low-Earth orbit NASA Research Announcement is the next step in enabling a low-Earth orbit space marketplace.

posted 09-27-2018 08:08 AM               

The text of the bill, designated H.R. 6910, was not immediately available. However, Babin said in his remarks that one provision of the bill would extend the existing authorization for operating the ISS from 2024 to 2030 unless a viable and less expensive commercial alternative was available sooner.

"As I've said before, the ISS is the crown jewel of America's human spaceflight program," he said. "Leadership in [low Earth orbit] returns tremendous economic benefits of space exploration to Earth."

... The proposed extension of the ISS to 2030 in the House bill mirrors language in the Space Frontier Act introduced in the Senate in July. That bill was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee Aug. 1 and awaits action by the full Senate.

posted 10-03-2018 08:06 AM               

During an Oct. 1 press conference at the 69th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) here, representatives of three ISS partner agencies said they were open to extending the station's operations to 2028 or 2030 in order to maximize the investment they've made in the facility as a platform for research and preparation for exploration activities beyond Earth orbit.

Jan Woerner, director general of the European Space Agency, said the issue could come up at the next triennial meeting of the ministers of ESA's member nations, scheduled for late 2019. "At the ministerial meeting next year, the ministerial council, I will propose to go on with ISS as well as the lunar Gateway," he said. "I believe that we will go on."

Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japanese space agency JAXA, also emphasized the importance of making the most of the station. "I'd like to make the most of the present ISS," he said. "We have to maximize the output of the ISS. Whenever the deadline comes to the ISS, we would like to participate in the ISS and maximize output."

He added, though, that there was not a pressing need for Japan to decide on an ISS extension. "JAXA is requesting budgets annually, so I think in that sense JAXA is quite flexible."

Dmitry Loskutov, head of international relations at the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, said Russia already expected an extension. "We anticipate the continued functioning until 2028 or 2030," he said.

posted 02-28-2019 07:47 AM               

International Space Station (ISS) Extension: The bill extends the authorization for the operation of the International Space Station from 2024 to 2030. This will help provide assurance to America’s international partners as well as commercial partners whose research conducted on the ISS routinely yields ground-breaking innovations to help the development of space technology as well as commercially-viable products on Earth. ISS extension means more launches to bring astronauts, experiments, and supplies to the ISS, which in turn means more business opportunities for the booming commercial space sector.

Post-ISS Transition Report: The bill requires NASA to develop a strategy for the retirement of ISS to ensure that there is a smooth transition to an eventual successor platform and submit this report to Congress. This report will help future Congresses make the best determination for how to continue a long-term human presence in space and avoid a lapse in long-term space facilities in low-Earth orbit or beyond.

posted 04-20-2021 08:47 PM               

Russia's Roscosmos space agency says its agreement with international partners runs out in 2024. A decision on the ISS' future will then be made on the condition of its technical modules, which have "reached the end of their service life", and on Russia's plans for its own orbital service station.

"We can't risk the lives [of our cosmonauts]. The situation that today is connected to the structure and the metal getting old, it can lead to irreversible consequences — to catastrophe. We mustn't let that happen," Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov was quoting as telling state TV.

While I absolutely believe the Russians are truly concerned about the safety of the cosmonauts/astronauts aboard the ISS, I find this statement just months before the launch of Nauka to the ISS to be rather puzzling.

Do people believe this is a bargaining ploy by Russia to potentially get more funding through the ISS for their civilian space program, or what?

posted 04-21-2021 02:08 AM               

The previous US administration was extremely vocal about doing things internally, cutting international agreements, and putting America first. This is America's prerogative but caused other partners to reevaluate where their efforts should be. After hearing this for four years, it is not surprising partners are hesitant to continue. Why would Europe, Canada, Japan, or Russia invest in an international program when the US indicated that it was going to abandon the ISS and put America's next man, and the first woman, on the moon?

While the ISS or any space station is a benefit to science and engineering, the militarization of space has become the front and center of attention for many governments causing investment in multinational programs more problematic. The commercialization of LEO is making the region a crowded place that is also easier to access, and a commercial space station may be able to cater to the science community and pick up much of the work that is done on the ISS.

SpaceX, Boeing, and other commercial space providers will look for customers who want their capabilities. If the ISS looks to be reaching the fatigue end of life, commercial investment will balk.

Regardless of whether the recent air leaks from the Russian ISS segment were a result of fatigue or design, a lack of confidence in design regarding additional or repeating leaks will become a thing from heron out. Anyone familiar with structural repairs of pressurized aerospace structures knows that patches are temporary fixes.

It may become a case of "last one out turn off the lights", and discussion will turn to who is responsible for deorbiting the ISS safely. One reason to get out first.

posted 04-21-2021 08:33 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by SkyMan1958:
Do people believe this is a bargaining ploy by Russia to potentially get more funding through the ISS for their civilian space program, or what?

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We still have a very strong relationship with Roscosmos and Russia on ISS. It is critical for the continued safe and effective operation of ISS.

All of the partners, including us, are looking at the future of ISS and what we might do together on ISS or in LEO [low Earth orbit]. I haven't had any discussions with Russia or Roscosmos on their plans. They will do their work and decide what they want to do. And we'll make our decisions on our side with our partners.

posted 04-21-2021 12:25 PM            

Axiom is due to launch a new module which could be modified to include a third commercial crew docking port.

As for orbital reboosts and collision avoidance the U S. Navy's Interim Control Module could be upgraded. It was originally developed to replace Zvezda, had the service module failed to dock with Zarya and Unity in 2000, but placed in storage.

posted 04-21-2021 12:39 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
As for orbital reboosts and collision avoidance the U S. Navy's Interim Control Module could be upgraded.

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posted 04-21-2021 12:59 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by issman1:
The Russians, if they so choose, could detach their segment...

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posted 04-21-2021 09:24 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by oly:
Why would Europe, Canada, Japan, or Russia invest...

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posted 04-22-2021 08:30 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by SkyMan1958:
...you can see an exterior view of the first module of the new space station.

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posted 06-08-2021 04:40 PM               

"If the sanctions against Progress and TsNIIMash remain and are not lifted in the near future, the issue of Russia's withdrawal from the ISS will be the responsibility of the American partners," Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said during a Russian parliament hearing on Monday, according to an NBC translation.

"Either we work together, in which case the sanctions are lifted immediately, or we will not work together and we will deploy our own station," he added.

posted 09-02-2021 09:22 AM               

"I think there is a problem in interpretation. I, most likely, did not say that," Rogozin told CNN, speaking Russian. His words were translated by an interpreter hired by CNN.

"It's just that we're talking about how we can continue our comradery, our friendly relations with our American partners, when the US government is implementing the sanctions against the very same organizations which supply the International Space Station."

...Rogozin says it is "the guarantee" that Russia will have the "technical capacity for station operation up until the time when it will reach the end of its service life."

posted 12-31-2021 12:21 PM               

Biden-Harris Administration Extends Space Station Operations Through 2030

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced today the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to extend International Space Station (ISS) operations through 2030, and to work with our international partners in Europe (ESA, European Space Agency), Japan (JAXA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Canada (CSA, Canadian Space Agency), and Russia (State Space Corporation Roscosmos) to enable continuation of the groundbreaking research being conducted in this unique orbiting laboratory through the rest of this decade.

"The International Space Station is a beacon of peaceful international scientific collaboration and for more than 20 years has returned enormous scientific, educational, and technological developments to benefit humanity. I'm pleased that the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to continuing station operations through 2030," Nelson said. "The United States' continued participation on the ISS will enhance innovation and competitiveness, as well as advance the research and technology necessary to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under NASA's Artemis program and pave the way for sending the first humans to Mars. As more and more nations are active in space, it's more important than ever that the United States continues to lead the world in growing international alliances and modeling rules and norms for the peaceful and responsible use of space."

Over the past two decades, the United States has maintained a continuous human presence in orbit around the Earth to test technologies, conduct scientific research, and develop skills needed to explore farther than ever before. The unique microgravity laboratory has hosted more than 3,000 research investigations from over 4,200 researchers across the world and is returning enormous scientific, educational, and technological developments to benefit people on Earth. Nearly 110 countries and areas have participated in activities aboard the station, including more than 1,500,000 students per year in STEM activities.

Instruments aboard the ISS, used in concert with free-flying instruments in other orbits, help us measure the stresses of drought and the health of forests to enable improved understanding of the interaction of carbon and climate at different time scales. Operating these and other climate-related instruments through the end of the decade will greatly increase our understanding of the climate cycle.

Extending operations through 2030 will continue another productive decade of research advancement and enable a seamless transition of capabilities in low-Earth orbit to one or more commercially owned and operated destinations in the late 2020s. The decision to extend operations and NASA's recent awards to develop commercial space stations together ensure uninterrupted, continuous human presence and capabilities; both are critical facets of NASA's International Space Station transition plan.