WASHINGTON, D.C. — As NASA and its global partners continue to push the boundaries of space exploration aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the agency announced on Monday that it is seeking feedback from U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and other stakeholders to help shape the future of human presence in low Earth orbit. The request focuses on newly developed goals and objectives intended to guide the next generation of space exploration and scientific research.
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy emphasized the importance of building on the successes of previous human spaceflight programs to expand knowledge and capabilities in space. “From the very beginning, NASA’s flagship human spaceflight programs have built upon each other, expanding our knowledge and experience of humans living and working in space,” Melroy stated. “As commercial industry is constructing new human-enabled platforms for low Earth orbit, NASA must answer the question: what should our goals and objectives be to advance our future science and exploration missions?”
The agency has published a draft of high-level goals and objectives, outlining 42 key points across six main areas: science, exploration-enabling research and technology development, commercial low Earth orbit infrastructure, operations, international cooperation, and workforce and engagement. These goals are designed to ensure that NASA’s future endeavors in low Earth orbit are aligned with broader industry and international objectives.
Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, highlighted the importance of external input in shaping the agency’s long-term plans. “Feedback is essential for shaping our long-term microgravity research and development activities,” Bowersox said. “We are committed to refining our objectives with input from both within NASA and external partners, ensuring alignment with industry and international goals. After reviewing feedback, we will finalize our strategy later this year.”
To facilitate this collaborative process, NASA will host two invite-only workshops in September, where international partners and representatives from U.S. industry and academia will discuss and provide feedback on the draft goals and objectives. NASA employees are also encouraged to contribute their perspectives through internal channels.
Robyn Gatens, the ISS director and acting director of commercial spaceflight at NASA Headquarters, stressed the growing recognition of space’s transformative potential. “Organizations are increasingly recognizing the transformative benefits of space, with both governments and commercial activities leveraging the International Space Station as a testbed,” Gatens said. “By developing a comprehensive strategy, NASA is looking to the next chapter of U.S. human space exploration to help shape the agency’s future in microgravity for the benefit of all.”
NASA’s efforts to gather diverse input reflect its commitment to remaining at the forefront of space exploration while fostering international collaboration and industry innovation in the rapidly evolving environment of low Earth orbit. The finalized strategy, informed by this feedback, will be published later this year, marking a significant step forward in NASA’s ongoing mission to explore, innovate, and inspire.–News Desk