NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit
December 16, 2024
Washington, D.C. – NASA has finalized its strategy for sustaining human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) beyond the International Space Station’s (ISS) retirement in 2031. The strategy, outlined in a new report released today, focuses on developing and deploying a suite of new technologies and capabilities that will enable a sustained human presence in LEO for decades to come.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable human presence in LEO that is safe, affordable, and enables groundbreaking science and exploration,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “This strategy is a roadmap for how we will achieve that goal.”
The strategy is based on four pillars:
- Developing new technologies and capabilities for human spaceflight in LEO. This includes developing new spacecraft, habitats, and life support systems that are more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective than current systems.
- Expanding partnerships with the private sector and international partners. NASA will work with private companies and international partners to develop and operate LEO platforms and services.
- Conducting research and exploration in LEO. LEO provides a unique environment for conducting research on the effects of space on the human body and mind. It also provides a platform for exploring the Moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system.
- Engaging the public and inspiring the next generation of explorers. NASA will work to engage the public in its LEO activities and inspire the next generation of explorers.
The strategy is a living document that will be updated as new technologies and capabilities are developed. It is also aligned with NASA’s broader goals for human exploration, which include sending humans to Mars and other destinations in the solar system.
“This strategy is a critical step towards our goal of becoming a multi-planetary species,” said Nelson. “By establishing a sustainable human presence in LEO, we are opening up new possibilities for scientific discovery and human exploration.”
Key Milestones in the Strategy
The strategy includes a number of key milestones that NASA plans to achieve in the coming years. These milestones include:
- 2025: Begin construction of the Gateway, a new lunar outpost that will serve as a base for human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
- 2028: Launch the first crewed mission to the Gateway.
- 2030: Begin construction of a new LEO platform that will serve as a hub for commercial and research activities.
- 2031: Retire the ISS and transition to the new LEO platform.
- 2033: Send the first humans to Mars.
These milestones are ambitious, but they are achievable with the right investment and commitment. NASA is confident that this strategy will lead to a sustainable human presence in LEO for decades to come.
Benefits of a Sustainable Human Presence in LEO
A sustainable human presence in LEO will have a number of benefits, including:
- Scientific research: LEO provides a unique environment for conducting research on the effects of space on the human body and mind. This research will be essential for developing the technologies and capabilities needed for future human exploration missions.
- Economic development: A sustainable human presence in LEO will create new markets for commercial space ventures. These ventures will develop new technologies and services that will benefit both space exploration and the economy on Earth.
- Inspiration and education: A sustainable human presence in LEO will inspire the next generation of explorers. It will also provide opportunities for students and educators to learn about space science and exploration.
NASA believes that a sustainable human presence in LEO is essential for the future of human exploration. This strategy provides a roadmap for how NASA will achieve that goal.
NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit
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