"NASA Considers Extending ISS Mission Beyond 2030"

NASA is open to extending the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) beyond 2030 if commercial space stations are not yet ready to take over by the end of the decade. The timeline for transitioning from the ISS to commercial stations is flexible and depends on the progress of companies developing these stations. NASA has been supporting the development of commercial low Earth orbit destinations (CLDs) and aims to have one or more certified for use by NASA astronauts by the late 2020s. However, concerns about funding and the readiness of commercial stations have raised uncertainties about the transition plan. NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel has called for full funding of the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) to ensure a safe transition.