Humanity is preparing to close a remarkable chapter in space history. Since 2000, astronauts have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station (ISS), carrying out groundbreaking research and showing how countries can collaborate in orbit. But NASA plans to retire the station in 2030.

The ISS has been a hub for scientific experiments for more than 25 years. Astronauts from the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, Canada, and recently India have lived in space, contributing to over 4,000 experiments. These studies have produced thousands of research papers that have improved life on Earth and prepared the way for future space missions.

Preparing for Life After the ISS

NASA and its international partners are already planning what comes next. Rather than leaving low-Earth orbit empty, the agency is supporting the development of commercial space stations.

NASA has invested over US$400 million to encourage companies to build new stations, aiming to have them operational before the ISS is decommissioned. The stations must safely host four people for at least 30 days in orbit and pass strict safety checks.

“NASA has led in low Earth orbit for 25 years and counting. Now, as we prepare for deorbiting the International Space Station in 2030, we’re calling on our commercial space partners to maintain this historic human presence. The American space industry is booming. Insight from these innovative companies will be invaluable as we work to chart the next phase of commercial space stations,” said NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.

NASA has previously worked with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing to transport astronauts using the Dragon and Starliner spacecraft. Its Phase 2 Announcement for Partnership Proposals now lays out plans for private industry to provide regular missions in low-Earth orbit, maintaining a continuous US presence in space.

As NASA focuses on commercial stations, China’sTiangong space station continues to host astronauts. Designed for three crew members, it orbits about 250 miles (402 km) above Earth. If the ISS ends its 30-year run in 2030, Tiangong will become the longest continuously inhabited space station in operation.