A New #Space Ecosystem: the post-ISS era

As the International Space Station (#ISS) approaches the end of its operational life, expected around 2030, the global space landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The focus is now on sustaining human presence and advancing research in #microgravity through both national and commercial Space stations. This evolution marks the beginning of a new era characterized by heightened international competition and technological innovation.

#USA: Pioneering the Future of Space Habitation

The United States is at the forefront of this transition with a dual strategy. On one hand, #NASA is pushing the boundaries of human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (#LEO) with the Gateway project. As part of the #Artemis program, Gateway will serve as a pivotal lunar orbiting station, acting as a hub for future missions to the #Moon and beyond. This reflects NASA’s long-term vision of extending human presence deeper into space.

On the other hand, NASA is spearheading the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations. Central to this strategy is fostering commercial LEO destinations, ensuring that the legacy of the ISS continues through private enterprise. Key players like #Axiom Space and #Voyager Space are leading this charge:

• Axiom Space is developing a commercial space station by first attaching its modules to the ISS. These modules will detach, forming the Axiom Station in 2028 — a fully independent commercial platform dedicated to scientific research and industrial activities in LEO.
• Voyager Space is collaborating with #Nanoracks and #Lockheed Martin on the #Starlab project. This innovative space station will feature a rotating structure generating artificial gravity, accommodating up to four astronauts. Starlab’s versatile design includes an inflatable habitat, a large robotic arm, and the George Washington Carver Science Park. Partnerships with #Hilton Hotels and The Ohio State University emphasize the station’s commercial and scientific potential. Starlab is expected to launch by 2028, with operations beginning in 2029.

#Europe: Strengthening Space Collaboration and Capabilities

The European Space Agency (#ESA) is also actively positioning itself for the post-ISS era. Although ESA has not yet committed to an independent space station project fully funded by its Member States, it has partnered with Airbus and Voyager Space to participate in the Starlab project. This collaboration ensures continued access to space and ESA involvement in human spaceflight and microgravity research.

ESA is also working on several other initiatives, including the development of a Commercial Space Cargo Return Service by 2030, and the SciHab project—an orbital platform for scientific and habitation purposes that will be open to commercial use.

#Russia: Asserting Geopolitical Influence Through Space

Russia is embarking on a significant project with the Russian Orbital Service Station (#ROSS). Construction of ROSS is slated to begin in 2027, with the first module, NEM-1, expected to launch that year. The station will be fully operational by 2035, featuring a modular design that will expand from four core modules to seven. ROSS will operate in a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometers, ideal for high-frequency Earth observation, particularly over the #Arctic.

ROSS represents a strategic shift for Russia, focusing on automated operations with minimal human presence, reducing mission risks and costs. The station is also expected to support the launch and control of small space vehicles, enhancing Russia's #defense and #security capabilities. Additionally, Russia is exploring international collaborations, extending invitations to other BRICS nations and African countries, underscoring the geopolitical implications of this project.

#China: Expanding Influence with Tiangong

China’s #Tiangong Space Station, also known as the "Celestial Palace," is a critical component of its space ambitions. Comprising three modules launched between 2021 and 2022, Tiangong is designed to support up to six astronauts and serve as a platform for advanced scientific research, particularly in microgravity and space physiology. With plans to expand Tiangong by adding new modules and launching the Xuntian space telescope, which will dock with the station for maintenance, China is solidifying its position as a major space power.

#Japan, #Canada and #India: ones to keep an eye on!

Japan is advancing its space ambitions by focusing on the development of space station modules, life sciences, and cargo transportation technologies. With its extensive experience, including the successful operation of the #Kibo module on the ISS, Japan is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the post-ISS era. It already collaborates with commercial players such as Axiom.

Canada continues to leverage its expertise in space robotics with the development of the #Canadarm3 for NASA’s Lunar Gateway. With its commitment to the ISS until 2030 and ongoing collaboration with NASA, Canada remains a key player in future space missions.

India is making bold strides with plans to establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (#BAS) by 2035 and send an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. Through collaborations with NASA, international and commercia partners, like Axiom, India is rapidly expanding its role in space exploration and human spaceflight.

?

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Space Exploration in LEO

These ambitious projects highlight a significant global shift toward national and commercial space stations, signaling the dawn of a new era in space exploration. As the ISS era draws to a close, these developments will ensure the sustained human presence in space, drive scientific research and foster technological innovation. The future of Space in LEO is more competitive than ever before.

?…and, #Italy? with its strong foundation built on twenty years of microgravity research aboard the ISS, stands poised to play a pivotal role in this new era. The Italian Space Agency’s #ASI extensive experience, coupled with the technical and engineering expertise of Thales Alenia Space Italia (#TAS-I) — which has built about 50% of the ISS’s orbiting environment and is likely to contribute significantly to the future lunar outpost — positions Italy as a key player in the LEO environment.

With robust support from the national Government, driven by an inter-ministerial governance framework, Italy is well-prepared to emerge as a leader in creating a R&D environment in Low Earth Orbit. Furthermore, Italy is on track to develop a new manufacturing ecosystem within the space economy in microgravity, ensuring its competitive edge in the global space race.

Further developments are coming soon!

#SpaceExploration #LEO #NASA #Gateway #AxiomSpace #Starlab #ESA #ROSS #Tiangong #ItalyInSpace #SpaceEconomy #NewSpaceEra #Innovation #microgravity