Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

International Space Station
Credit: Roscosmos

In testimony before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, NASA’s Office of Inspector General (IG) has issued the report: Examining NASA’s Plans for the International Space Station and Future Activities in Low Earth Orbit.

Cascading effect

“As NASA turns its attention to returning humans to the Moon by 2024, concrete plans for the future of the ISS need to be resolved,” the IG report observes. “Whether it be extension, increased commercialization, or retirement, the timing of each of these decisions has a cascading effect on the funding NASA will be able to dedicate for space flight operations in low Earth orbit, its ambitions for establishing a permanent presence on the Moon, and ultimately sending humans to Mars.”

Credit: NASA/ESA

In conclusion, the IG report adds: “The sooner NASA, the Administration, and Congress agree on a definitive path forward for the future of the ISS, the better NASA will be able to plan the future of on-board research and commercialization in low Earth orbit.”

To view the full report, go to:

https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/CT-19-001.pdf