I like the idea of using ISS to try to cultivate commercial interest in LEO space stations.
But when (if?) a commercial alternative is available, it seems like there should be a firm policy that the ISS does NOT compete with it, at least for non-NASA business.
Published on 7 Jun 2018On June 6, 2018, the Senate Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness held a hearing titled, "Examining the Future of the International Space Station: Stakeholder Perspectives." This hearing provided provide ISS stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the value of the ISS to the U.S. national space program and the future of human space exploration.Invited witnesses were:Cynthia BouthotDirector of Commercial Innovation & Sponsored Programs, Center for the Advancement of Science in SpaceJim ChiltonSenior Vice President, Space and Launch, The Boeing CompanyBob MitchellPresident, Bay Area Houston Economic PartnershipMichael Suffredini, Chief Executive Officer and President, Axiom SpaceThe event was webcast live and is in the public domain. The event's original web page is:https://www.commerce.senate.gov/publi...We're on Twitter at @WordsmithFL.
Eventually, ISS would transition into a commercial station as government modules are removed, assuming the economics make sense.
If the economics don't work out, NASA can buy and operate key parts such as power and communications to subsidize operations.
Quote from: RonM on 06/09/2018 06:41 pmEventually, ISS would transition into a commercial station as government modules are removed, assuming the economics make sense.What about the modules and equipment that are not U.S. Government property? You have to get buy-in from them before you could implement such a plan - what's in it for them?
Quote from: RonM on 06/09/2018 06:41 pmIf the economics don't work out, NASA can buy and operate key parts such as power and communications to subsidize operations.Remember NASA doesn't get to choose what it does. NASA works for the President, and is funded by Congress. So it would have to be in the best interests of the U.S. Government at that moment in time to backtrack on privatization efforts - which likely won't bode well if that happens...
Quote from: RonM on 06/09/2018 06:41 pmEventually, ISS would transition into a commercial station as government modules are removed, assuming the economics make sense.What about the modules and equipment that are not U.S. Government property? You have to get buy-in from them before you could implement such a plan - what's in it for them?QuoteIf the economics don't work out, NASA can buy and operate key parts such as power and communications to subsidize operations.Remember NASA doesn't get to choose what it does. NASA works for the President, and is funded by Congress. So it would have to be in the best interests of the U.S. Government at that moment in time to backtrack on privatization efforts - which likely won't bode well if that happens...
What about the best interests of the American people?The U.S. Government has no 'interests' other than that... self-serving USG is the problem, not the solution.
Privatization is not a panacea...