NASA Updates Proposal for ISS Retirement and Funding for Commercial Replacements
NASA celebrates the milestone mission of docking the first two ISS modules and updates its proposal for the retirement of the station. Early stage funding is underway for commercial replacements run by private companies with NASA as a customer.
ISS Retirement and Commercial Replacements
NASA recently celebrated the milestone mission of docking the first two International Space Station (ISS) modules on December 6, 1998. As the retirement of the ISS approaches in 2030, or thereabouts, NASA has updated its private proposal request to help deorbit the station.
Alongside this proposal update, early stage funding is currently in progress for several commercial replacements. These replacements would be run by private companies, with NASA serving as a customer. The goal is to have these vehicles ready for use when the retirement of the ISS takes place.
Expansion of ISS and Commercial Ventures
The ISS has seen the addition of modules from various space agencies, including NASA, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Canadian robotics has also contributed to the station's modules. However, it is not just modules that are evolving within the ISS. The program's partners are also increasingly focused on commercial ventures.
Previously, ISS private experiments were manifested through Nanoracks. Now, commercial astronauts are gradually becoming part of the ISS missions, with Houston-based companies organizing these missions. In addition to this, cargo deliveries from the U.S. are now done privately through companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. Russia, on the other hand, continues to send government-funded Progress spacecraft.
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