Washington, March 26 (IANS). US senators and officials have warned of the dangers of going from the International Space Station (ISS) to a commercial space platform. Actually, China is increasing its presence in the lower Earth orbit. Because of this America has become alert.
House Science Committee Chairman Brian Babin said, “The International Space Station … is a tremendous success that demonstrates the capabilities of the American space program.”
He said that ISS has helped humans in spaceflight and research for more than 25 years. But he said the station was aging and the next phase would have to be handled carefully.
Mike Haridopoulos, chairman of the subcommittee, stressed the need to compete with China, saying, “The United States must lead in low Earth orbit.”
He said that space leadership is not just about deep space missions. It also depends on the strength in low Earth orbit.
Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel member Charles J. Precourt raised safety concerns, saying, “The ISS is operating in the most dangerous phase of its lifecycle.” He said that the danger is increasing due to aging systems and wear and tear.
“Continuously safe operations can be achieved, but this is not assured without continued engineering rigor, disciplined risk management and the right resourcing,” he said.
Precourt also warned about this change, saying, “There is a credible risk of a gap in US human spaceflight capability in low Earth orbit.”
He said that such a gap could affect research and future missions. Industry leaders pointed to the tremendous demand for space-based work. “The global value is already estimated at $57 trillion and is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035,” said David Cavosa, president of the Commercial Space Federation.
He said that private research on ISS has increased rapidly. Cavosa appealed to bring clarity in the policy. “NASA should move forward with the CLD procurement and ensure industry is informed about its acquisition strategy, needs, and procurement timeline,” he said.
He warned that delays could hurt investment and slow down new stations. NASA said it is preparing for this change.
Acting Associate Administrator for Space Operations Joel R. “NASA’s strategy will combine private sector initiatives and create a commercial path to replace the International Space Station by 2030,” Montalbano said.
He said NASA’s goal is “to become one of many customers in a robust commercial marketplace in LEO.” Montalbano said the ISS has supported major research in science and human health.
Lawmakers said it is important to avoid gaps in the presence of humans in orbit. Babin warned that after decades of consistent presence, any gap would be too large.
The ISS was completed in 2011 after several years of delay. It has hosted approximately 200 American astronauts.
China launches its Tiangong space station in 2022. Since then the crew has been working continuously on it. US officials said the next few years will determine leadership in low Earth orbit.
–IANS
KK/PM
