The US Space Program's Path Forward for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) after Decommissioning of the International Space Station (ISS)

As activities in space rapidly evolve, the International Space Station (ISS) is approaching its retirement date. Since decommissioning of the ISS is scheduled for 2030, the United States (US) must identify paths forward for space station operations in low-earth orbit (LEO). Having a manned LEO space station after the conclusion of the ISS program will allow the US to continue possessing a platform to conduct scientific research, advance technology, and investigate the effects of microgravity on biological physiology. Options to continue LEO operations include having private entities construct and operate commercial space stations, reusing components of the ISS, directing NASA to spearhead efforts in building a new space station, or abandoning US-led space stations in LEO altogether. We recommend that commercial firms build and operate space stations, permitting multiple platforms to be created while maintaining the legacy of the ISS. The US will have facilities in LEO for research and development, thus advancing technological and scientific knowledge for Earth-based applications and future space missions.