MIT Technology Review Narrated The great commercial takeover of low Earth orbit
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Nov 27, 2024 NASA plans to retire the International Space Station by 2030, paving the way for private companies to take charge of low Earth orbit. Axiom Space and others aim to maintain a human presence in space. The podcast explores the engineering hurdles of private space modules and the booming potential of space tourism. Exciting developments in artificial retina technology are highlighted, showcasing how microgravity enhances biomedical research. Finally, new private stations are democratizing space research, opening doors for aspiring scientists.
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The ISS's Near-Death Experience
- In 1993, NASA's space station faced a critical cancellation vote in the House.
- Representative John Lewis cast the deciding vote, saving the station by a single vote, 216 to 215.
The End of an Era and the Start of Another
- The ISS, exceeding its 20-year lifespan, will be deorbited around 2030.
- Private companies are developing commercial space stations, marking a new era of private space exploration.
Von Braun's Vision
- Werner von Braun envisioned space stations as crucial for sustainable exploration, predating moon/Mars missions.
- The US, prioritizing speed, skipped this stage for the Apollo program.