NASA has announced plans to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) in 2030, marking the end of a remarkable era in human space exploration that began in November 2000. For nearly 25 years, the ISS has served as a platform for international cooperation and scientific research, hosting astronauts from the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Russia. This initiative will see the space station guided into a remote area of the Pacific Ocean.
The ISS stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration in space. Since its first components were launched in 1998, the station has facilitated over 4,000 experiments across various fields, including materials science, biotechnology, and Earth sciences. Research conducted in the unique conditions of low-Earth orbit has led to significant advancements, such as improved cancer treatment methods and innovations in materials used for optics.
Future of Low-Earth Orbit Research
Despite the retirement of the ISS, NASA and its international partners are committed to maintaining a human presence in low-Earth orbit. The agency is actively pursuing alternatives to continue utilizing the space environment for research purposes. In December 2021, NASA awarded contracts aimed at fostering the development of privately operated commercial space stations. These investments, totaling over US$400 million, are intended to support the establishment of new platforms that can succeed the ISS.
NASA has previously demonstrated successful partnerships with commercial entities for cargo resupply and crew transportation, most notably with companies such as SpaceX and Boeing. Following this model, NASA is preparing to issue a draft announcement in September 2025 for partnership proposals related to commercial space stations. Selected companies will receive funding to conduct critical design reviews and must demonstrate the capability to support crews of four in orbit for at least 30 days.
Transitioning to New Space Stations
As NASA moves forward with its commercial space station initiative, it remains to be seen which companies will succeed in this endeavor. While these new stations are under development, China’s Tiangong space station will continue to operate, becoming the longest continually inhabited space station once the ISS is decommissioned. Tiangong has been occupied for approximately four years and is expected to maintain its crewed status.
The transition to commercial space stations marks a new chapter in human spaceflight. NASA aims to purchase missions and services aboard these future platforms in a manner similar to current cargo and crew transport operations to the ISS. This shift highlights the growing role of private industry in space exploration.
Looking ahead, it will take several years before the new commercial stations are operational and the ISS is safely deorbited. Until then, observers are encouraged to enjoy the view of the ISS as it gracefully orbits the Earth, often appearing as one of the brightest objects in the night sky. The legacy of the ISS as a remarkable achievement in international cooperation and scientific progress will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
John M. Horack, a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The Ohio State University, emphasizes the profound impact of the ISS on our understanding of space and its potential for future exploration. The ongoing developments in commercial space travel promise to continue this legacy as humanity reaches for new horizons beyond Earth.
