The Inquiry
What will happen after the International Space Station?
Nov 4, 2024
Jennifer Levasseur, a museum curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, shares insights on the International Space Station's legacy. Mark McCaughrean, a former advisor at the European Space Agency, discusses the future of space exploration as new commercial stations emerge. Mai'a Cross, a political science professor, explores the evolution of international cooperation in space. Wendy Whitman Cobb delves into the geopolitical impacts of the ISS's decommissioning and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic ties in an increasingly privatized space landscape.
22:59
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Quick takeaways
- The International Space Station has been a landmark of global collaboration in science, exemplifying successful international partnerships despite geopolitical tensions.
- With the decommissioning of the ISS in 2030, the focus is shifting to commercial space endeavors and new partnerships to sustain human presence in low Earth orbit.
Deep dives
The Legacy of the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) has played a pivotal role in scientific advancements since its launch in 1998, operating as a symbol of international collaboration. After nearly three decades in orbit, the ISS is nearing its end, with its structural integrity declining and only six years remaining before it is decommissioned and deorbited into the Pacific Ocean. The ISS has made significant contributions, including breakthroughs in medicine, climate monitoring, and the study of human biology in microgravity, showcasing the potential of science when nations work together. This legacy highlights the importance of maintaining international cooperation in space exploration going forward.
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