NASA is working with private companies to develop and launch space stations that will replace the International Space Station after its decommissioning in 2031. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson sees this as a strategic move, allowing the agency to focus on lunar and Martian exploration while utilizing commercial space stations for research and astronaut training.
“NASA can utilize those resources in our exploration of the heavens, back to the moon and on to Mars. Then we can rent space on a commercial space station to do our research, to prepare our astronauts for longer flights out into the cosmos,” Nelson said.
Several companies are leading the charge in this exciting new era of commercial space development.
Axiom Space is building a next-generation space station that will initially attach to the International Space Station before becoming a self-sustaining platform. The company is already sending private astronauts to the ISS to prepare for the launch of the first module in 2026.
Blue Origin is developing “Orbital Reef,” a mixed-use destination for researchers, entrepreneurs, and tourists. Nelson believes space tourism will thrive as the space industry grows.
Voyager Space is constructing “Starlab,” which will be launched in 2028 as a single unit, making it the largest piece of hardware launched by humanity into space. It will feature a ready-to-go laboratory capable of housing over 400 experiments annually.
Beyond space stations, NASA is also utilizing private companies to build the first lunar space station. Maxar and Northrop Grumman are designing the two modules for this “Lunar Gateway Station,” which will be launched by SpaceX no earlier than 2025.
The shift towards commercial space development is seen as a positive development for the future of space exploration. The involvement of private companies brings in new ideas, technologies, and resources, propelling the industry forward at an accelerated pace.
“That area known as Low Earth Orbit has become commercial. There’s dozens and dozens of companies, there’s going to be privately owned space stations, every week there’s privately launched rockets. It’s a very exciting time,” said Jeffrey Manber, President of International and Space Stations at Voyager Space.
As NASA ventures further into the cosmos, the contributions of these private companies will be essential for the success of future missions. The development of these space stations, coupled with NASA’s focus on lunar and Martian exploration, marks an exciting new chapter in human space exploration.
