NASA to Replace ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) will de-orbit in 2031, and three companies are working with NASA to design new space stations to replace ISS. NASA is also using private companies to build the first lunar space station. Maxar and Northrop Grumman are developing the two modules, and SpaceX will launch the Lunar Gateway Station as early as 2025, with operations beginning as soon as 2028.

Axiom Space is building a next-gen space station, creating pods that first attach to the current International Space Station. Axiom is sending private astronauts to the ISS to prepare for adding the first module, expected to launch in 2026. Axiom Station will detach, becoming a self-sustaining orbital platform, when the ISS is decommissioned.

Blue Origin is also building its Orbital Reef mixed-use destination for researchers, entrepreneurs, and tourists. Voyager’s Starlab will be sent into orbit as one unit. The launch is planned for 2028. A ready-to-go laboratory onboard will house more than 400 experiments annually.

Low Earth Orbit is now commercial. Dozens of companies will have privately owned space stations.