The International Space Station began in 1998 when its first segments were launched and is now beginning to show its age.
Since 2000, the ISS has continuously hosted a rotating group of astronauts from 19 countries. The station has the only laboratory for long-term microgravity research and has been instrumental in several scientific developments, including the creation of more efficient water filtration systems and the exploration of new ways to treat diseases such as l ‘Alzheimer’s and cancer.
“The International Space Station is currently approved to operate at least until December 2024 with our agreements with international partners,” said Angela Hart, manager of NASA’s Commercial Earth Orbit Program Office. “However, as we actively work to continue doing science and research, we understand that the ISS will at some point have its end of life.”
But NASA probably won’t build the next space station. Instead, the agency will depend on the technology of outside companies. Some, like Sierra Space in Colorado and Axiom Space based in Houston, are well on their way to building their own commercial space stations.
Watch the video above for more information on the future of the International Space Station and the companies working to build their own advanced sites.