Keith’s note: During the “Ignition“ event in March NASA said it would launch a new government-owned anchor or core module to the ISS and then have it remain as the nucleus of any future commercial space station. Given that every commercial space station effort more or less launches its own infrastructure this would have thrown a wrench into their plans and possibly undermined commercial investment. NASA has decided to dial that back: “In the spirit of learning from past programmatic challenges and ensuring a responsible transition from the International Space Station, NASA evaluated both the current commercial space station approach and alternative pathways. Industry has provided extensive feedback making the case for a sustainable commercial market in which NASA is one customer among many, along with assurances regarding available transportation capabilities. The industry position will now shape the path forward as NASA proceeds with the original commercial strategy. Over the coming weeks, NASA will work with stakeholders and industry to refine flexible requirements and acquisition plans, with a draft RFP expected later this month.”
Biologist, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Biologist and Payload integrator, Editor of NASAWatch.com and Astrobiology.com, Lapsed climber, Explorer, Synaesthete, Former Challenger Center board member... More by Keith Cowing
so what new nugget of information came out the last 60 days that caused them to pivot back to the original plan? what was not known by the HQ team before ignition day that lead them to think they needed the core module concept but somehow was incorrect based on how commercial partners reacted to the concept? to do an about face so quickly due to such fierce opposition from industry needs some explaining on why they (NASA) even explored this alternative path.