The International Space Station has been continuously crewed for more than two decades. Its end is now planned: according to NASA, station operations are scheduled to end in 2030. After that, research and astronaut missions in low Earth orbit are expected to move to commercial space stations.
How the ISS will be retired
In June 2024, NASA selected SpaceX to build the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, with a total potential contract value of 843 million US dollars. The vehicle will bring the station down in a controlled way so that no populated areas are put at risk. NASA expects the station to break up during re-entry.
"Selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit at the end of station operations."Ken Bowersox, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations
The companies behind the next stations
NASA supports several companies that develop commercial stations:
- Axiom Space received a NASA contract in 2020 for commercial modules that first attach to the ISS and later become a free-flying station.
- Blue Origin is developing Orbital Reef, a free-flying commercial station.
- Starlab Space is building a station with a large habitation and laboratory module plus a service module.
- Vast is building Haven-1, designed for crew, research and in-space manufacturing.
- Sierra Space, SpaceX, ThinkOrbital and Special Aerospace Services were selected as further partners in 2023.
How NASA supports the transition
NASA works with the companies through Space Act Agreements. In the first phase, from 2020 to 2025, NASA supported design and development with technical expertise and data. A second phase from 2026 provides funded agreements with demonstration milestones over three to five years. Later, NASA plans to buy services from these stations through regular contracts, the same way it already buys cargo and crew transport.
What it means for the market
Commercial stations will need regular cargo and crew flights, and they are open to paying customers beyond NASA, such as other space agencies, research institutes and companies. This creates new demand for transport to and from low Earth orbit.
Frequently asked questions
When will the International Space Station be retired?
According to NASA, station operations are scheduled to end in 2030. NASA selected SpaceX in June 2024 to build the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which will bring the station down in a controlled way.
Which companies are building commercial space stations?
Companies supported by NASA include Axiom Space, Blue Origin with Orbital Reef, Starlab Space and Vast with Haven-1.
How will astronauts reach commercial stations?
Through the same commercial crew and cargo services that supply the ISS today, which NASA plans to buy as services from the station operators.
Related reading
- How Do Crew and Supplies Get to the ISS? The Space Station Supply Chain Explained
- Post-ISS Era: ESA Signs Agreements with Axiom Space and Starlab
- How Astronauts Train: From Basic Training to Spacewalk Practice
Sources
- NASA, "NASA Selects International Space Station US Deorbit Vehicle", 26 June 2024: nasa.gov
- NASA, "Commercial Space Stations": nasa.gov
Cover image: Part of the International Space Station above the Earth, photographed by the Expedition 32 crew on 28 July 2012. Image: NASA, images.nasa.gov.