"NASA's Shift: From ISS to Private Space Stations"

NASA is focusing on a smooth transition to private space stations in low-Earth orbit before the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2030. The agency aims to prevent any disruptions by ensuring a commercial successor is operating by 2028. The White House has issued a strategy to prepare for this transition, with the objective of maintaining an uninterrupted U.S. presence in low-Earth orbit. However, the challenges of the unproven commercial space station market, technical costs, and scheduling risks need to be addressed. NASA plans to pass on its technology expertise to private space station providers, and after the retirement of the ISS, operate a national laboratory supporting various commercial platforms.