NSS has issued a new Position Paper on Maintaining U.S. Leadership in LEO Research and Commercialization after the ISS.
ABSTRACT: NSS urges the U.S. to make leadership in microgravity and partial gravity R&D in LEO using commercial space stations a core space policy priority to counter China’s growing presence with its Tiangong Station. With the ISS set for deorbit in 2031, NSS calls for increased funding, full crew and cargo support, and acceleration of commercial LEO stations through NASA’s C3DO program. NSS supports expanding participation to private firms like VAST, opposes cuts or early ISS shutdowns, and advocates transferring ISS activities to commercial stations once operational to ensure a sustainable, competitive U.S.-led LEO economy.
