Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 23, Issue 01 | October 23, 2023

Policy Memo: Determining a Post-International Space Station (ISS) Path for US Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Activities 

Nathan Tat (1), Vivian Tat (2), Candise Tat (3)
  1. NASA Johnson Space Center/Jacobs, Jacobs Johnson Space Center Engineering, Technology & Science (JETS), Houston, Texas, United States 
  2. The University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Galveston, Texas, United States
  3. Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Houston, Texas, United States 
*Authors contributed equally

​Corresponding author: [email protected] ​​
Keywords: NASA; space policy; International Space Station (ISS); commercial LEO destinations
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG230110 ​

Executive Summary

As activities in space rapidly evolve, the International Space Station (ISS) is approaching its retirement date. Since decommissioning of the ISS is scheduled for 2030, the United States (US) must identify paths forward for space station operations in low-earth orbit (LEO). Having a manned LEO space station after the conclusion of the ISS program will allow the US to continue possessing a platform to conduct scientific research, advance technology, and investigate the effects of microgravity on biological physiology. Options to continue LEO operations include having private entities construct and operate commercial space stations, reusing components of the ISS, directing NASA to spearhead efforts in building a new space station, or abandoning US-led space stations in LEO altogether. We recommend that commercial firms build and operate space stations, permitting multiple platforms to be created while maintaining the legacy of the ISS. The US will have facilities in LEO for research and development, thus advancing technological and scientific knowledge for Earth-based applications and future space missions.

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Background header image courtesy of European Space Agency
Nathan Tat earned both his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees from Rice University. His graduate program was focused on the disciplines of Space Studies, and his undergraduate education was centered on Economics and Business. Nathan is a Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) “20 Under 35” Honoree and was a delegate for the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) North, Central America and Caribbean Space Generation Workshop. He is interested in bridging STEM and business within interdisciplinary areas such as space economy and policy.

​Vivian Tat is pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology and an MPH in Epidemiology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Currently, Vivian is examining the host innate immune response to beta-coronaviruses. She received her B.S. in Public Health with Distinction in Research and as a Polymathic Honors Scholar with an Evidence and Inquiry certificate from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Candise Tat earned her MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences with a concentration in Genomics and Bioinformatics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. She also conducts research in cancer immunotherapy at Baylor College of Medicine Center for Cell and Gene Therapy. Candise received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology with a minor in business from Rice University. 

Acknowledgements 
The authors would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Yvette Seger, Dr. Sophia Kaska, Jennifer Zeitzer, Donna Tat, and Andy Tat for their comments and support on this publication.
 
Disclaimer 
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or positions of Jacobs, NASA or other entities.​

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