Senate pressure to replace the ISS with private space stations gains momentum

A Cruz staffer says NASA must accelerate the Commercial LEO Destinations program to ensure continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit and potentially extend the ISS beyond 2030 if CLDs aren’t ready. The effort has been slowed by leadership changes and shifting directives, with NASA delaying the RFP and funding rounds; a decision on an ISS extension would depend on CLD readiness and the private stations’ progress.