The Imperative of a Novel Space Station for America: Russia's Module Sufferings from Leaks
The Imperative of a Novel Space Station for America: Russia's Module Sufferings from Leaks
The International Space Station (ISS) turned 26 this year, having been launched with Russia's deployment of the Zarya power and propulsion module in 1998. Today, the ISS consists of 43 modules and other components, including airlocks, robotic arms, and various tools. Six out of the seven nations responsible for building the ISS plan to retire it after 2030, with Russia aiming to leave earlier in 2028.
NASA has outsourced the construction of a deorbit spacecraft to SpaceX, which is scheduled to push the ISS into Earth's atmosphere for destruction in 2031. Additionally, NASA is sponsoring various space companies to develop replacement space stations once the ISS is retired.
However, the ISS is currently dealing with leaks. According to a report from NASA's Office of Inspector General in September 2024, there are ongoing cracks and leaks in the Service Module Transfer Tunnel, leading to a significant loss of air and posing a threat to the astronaut and cosmonaut crew. Despite efforts, the cause of the leaks remains undetermined. The current leak rate costs NASA approximately $4,000 per day in replacement air.
On top of that, MSN reports that there are four active leaks in Russia's sections of the ISS and 50 areas of concern, including apparent scratches and poor welds. NASA has advised the crew to remain in the American section, and SpaceX has also been contracted to develop an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
In terms of investment, although the ISS leak has proven challenging to fix, it has increased the urgency for NASA to select a company to build its replacement before further issues arise. Currently, four teams are competing for the contract:
- Vast Space and Axiom Space plan to construct separate, independent space stations in Low Earth Orbit.
- Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, and Redwire are partnering to build an "Orbital Reef" space station.
- Voyager Space has teamed up with companies like Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and Hilton Hotels to develop a "Starlab" space station.
NASA is expected to invite bids for additional private space station development contracts in 2025, with awards scheduled for 2026. With several publicly traded space companies still in contention, investors have a chance to own a piece of America's next space station, a privilege not previously available for the ISS.
Paraphrased text:
The ISS, which is 26 years old and was born in 1998 through Russia's launch of a power and propulsion module, is currently comprised of 43 modules and other components. Six out of the seven nations responsible for constructing the ISS plan to retire it after 2030 (Russia is aiming to leave earlier, in 2028). NASA has contracted SpaceX to construct a deorbit spacecraft to dispose of the ISS in 2031 and is sponsoring various space companies to develop replacement space stations once the ISS retires.
Unfortunately, the ISS is dealing with leaks in its service module. A report from NASA's Office of Inspector General in September 2024 found ongoing cracks and leaks in the Service Module Transfer Tunnel. Despite efforts, the root cause of the leaks remains undetermined. NASA has advised the crew to remain in the American section of the ISS, and SpaceX has also been contracted to develop an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.
In investment terms, although the ISS leak has been challenging to fix, it has increased the urgency for NASA to select a company to build its replacement before further issues arise. Currently, four teams are competing for the contract:
- Vast Space and Axiom Space plan to construct separate, independent space stations in Low Earth Orbit.
- Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, and Redwire are partnering to build an "Orbital Reef" space station.
- Voyager Space has teamed up with companies like Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and Hilton Hotels to develop a "Starlab" space station.
NASA is expected to invite bids for additional private space station development contracts in 2025, with awards scheduled for 2026. With several publicly traded space companies still in contention, investors have a chance to own a piece of America's next space station, a privilege not previously available for the ISS.
The ongoing leak issues in the ISS, as reported by NASA's Office of Inspector General in 2024, have led to a significant loss of air and pose a threat to the astronaut and cosmonaut crew. The current leak rate is costing NASA approximately $4,000 per day in replacement air.
Given the financial implications of the leaks and the need for a replacement space station, investors now have an opportunity to own a piece of America's next space station. With several publicly traded space companies, such as Vast Space, Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Boeing, Redwire, Voyager Space, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and Hilton Hotels, in contention for NASA's private space station development contracts, investing in these companies could grant ownership of a portion of the future space station.