On Dec. 31, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced, "The Biden-Harris administration is committed to extending the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2030." ”
In his speech, Nielsen mentioned that for more than 20 years, the International Space Station has brought great scientific, educational and technological developments to mankind. U.S. continued participation in the International Space Station will enhance innovation and competitiveness, and advance the necessary research and technology, with plans to send the first women and first people of color to the moon through the ongoing Artemis program and to pave the way for the first humans to be sent to Mars.
Screenshot of NASA's statement (Source: NASA)
It is undeniable that for the past 20 years, the International Space Station has been a banner of human space activity. This unique microgravity laboratory has hosted more than 3,000 research surveys from more than 4,200 researchers around the world. These research or technologies have great help to the progress of human society, the promotion of basic discipline research, and the improvement of people's lives. Nearly 110 countries and territories around the world participated in the space station's activities, including more than 1.5 million students participating in NASA-led or supported STEM activities each year.
These 110 countries should also include China. Just a dozen years ago, Shui Brother also took his apprentice to participate in a radio call between Shanghai teenagers and astronauts on the International Space Station. Many people now know that the International Space Station does not "play" with China, and NASA does not cooperate with China, mainly from the "Wolf Clause" approved by the US Congress in April 2011 (initiated by US Republican Congressman Frank Wolfe). The United States prohibits any space program between China and the United States that is related to NASA or coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, citing so-called "national security." Of course, the reasons are more complex and diverse, but there are certainly considerations that limit the development of China's space technology, especially the development of manned spaceflight. However, the facts are also clear to everyone, China is not only not restricted, but also independently grasps the ability to build and operate the space station.
International Space Station photographed by the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on November 8, 2021 (Source: NASA)
At the time of the launch of the Tianhe core module, many media and self-media mentioned that the Chinese space station after 2024 may be the only space station operating in orbit. I also explained in the live broadcast, which is actually a big misunderstanding. The term "2024" comes from NASA's previous budget years. In other words, as long as the budget can be solved, the International Space Station will continue to operate. You know, during the period 2010-2011, NASA also worried that ISS would not survive in 2015. However, the situation is different in various countries, and there are indeed some retreats in the first countries to participate in the development together. ISS construction has cost more than $150 billion so far, and not everyone can afford to play it. But even Russia, with its weakening economy, is trying to find ways to sustain it, even though its share is now getting smaller and smaller. How many years the ISS can operate depends largely on the investment of the US government. I also said on the show that at least until 2030 should not be a problem, and it seems that I may have guessed correctly.
Countries participating in the International Space Station (Source: NASA)
But perhaps things won't end so easily. We noticed that this time it was the director who came out and said, "Biden promises...". It should be explained that this should still be a statement, not a formal plan, and it is not yet on the basis of the approval budget. Considering the situation in which the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States wrestle with each other and alternate powers, the possibility of small variables is not ruled out, although it is unlikely. Let's take a look at this point in time, the last day of 2021... Biden's statement is likely to be a heavy New Year's gift package to NASA by taking advantage of the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and the opportunity to gain global attention and praise; it may also be because it has been deeply stimulated by seeing China's record 55 space launches this year and the impressive achievements in the construction of the space station. Back half a year ago, on June 23, 2021, NASA Director Nelson also expressed support for the perpetuation of the "Wolf Clause" and ensuring "America First" when attending the hearing of the US House of Representatives. In fact, of course, he has always stressed that "NASA needs to increase its budget" so that it can "make the United States better compete with China."
Screenshot of Nielsen's speech at the U.S. House of Representatives hearing (Source: NASA)
In any case, let's put the United States aside, from the perspective of all mankind, the significance of the International Space Station is extremely significant, whether it is the significance of technology, or the significance of science, even if it is only symbolic. Now that the Islamic Space Station has been promised to "extend life," NASA may need to focus on two big problems in the future. First, how to upgrade some of the old modules and instruments of the International Space Station? Second, it may be more necessary to make a good decision - whether to build a new space station to completely replace the International Space Station?