Science and Space

space and astronomy articles.

ISS and beyond

Today even the space enthusiasts are showing less interest in problem-plagued International Space Station(ISS) although it is part of President Bush’s vision for space exploration. The first priority in Bush’s vision is to return the shuttle safely to flight, and the second is to complete the ISS. 28 shuttle flights are needed to finish the station. The last few are just going to put spares on the station, effectively filling up the pantry.

But the big problem is once construction of the station is finished in 2010, the shuttle will be decommissioned. Although Soyuz can carry astronauts up to the station, and there are other resupply vehicles, Russians ships cannot carry as many cargo as shuttle. US industry is requested to find possibilities to resupply the station. But there is not yet clear answer.

If ISS is dead, what’s next?

There may be another station but it won’t be as complex and costly as ISS. There could be a space station that serves some commercial purpose: tourism, or perhaps materials processing.

posted by: kyawoo at 20:02 | link | comments |
space station

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