NASA confronts looming gap in human space station missions

NASA is facing a critical challenge in maintaining a constant human presence aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In an interesting article entitled “NASA confronts looming gap in human space station missions,” the writers shed light on this imminent dilemma. The main point is that due to delays in the development of new crew capsules by both SpaceX and Boeing, NASA could find itself without any American astronauts aboard the ISS for nearly a year starting in late 2019.

This caught my attention as space exploration has always fascinated me, and the idea of a potential gap in human presence on the ISS is something of concern. According to the article, NASA has been relying on Russian Soyuz capsules to transport astronauts to and from the space station since the space shuttle program ended in 2011. However, with the Soyuz seat prices skyrocketing, reaching around $85 million per astronaut, NASA has been working towards developing its own crew vehicles through contracts with private companies.

The article highlights the challenges NASA has faced in this endeavor. Delays in the development of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner capsules have pushed back the timeline for their first crewed test flights. This has put NASA’s fallback option, purchasing additional Soyuz seats, in jeopardy due to a limited supply and high cost.

The potential lack of American astronauts on the ISS for an extended period raises concerns about the continuity of critical scientific research and the maintenance of the space station itself. It also raises questions about the future of America’s leadership in space exploration. While NASA is actively exploring solutions to bridge the gap, it remains a pressing issue.

In conclusion, the looming gap in human space station missions is a matter of significance. NASA’s efforts to develop its own crew capsules have faced delays, potentially leaving the U.S. without astronauts on the ISS for an extended period. This threatens scientific research and challenges America’s role in space exploration. As space enthusiasts, we hope NASA can find timely solutions to ensure a continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station.