Keith’s note: GAO has issued a report regarding the process whereby NASA is replacing the International Space Station with a commercial option. IMHO this report seems to have been overtaken by events including the addition of the newly-proposed government module during the ignition activity and the new RFI under development based on complaints from industry and potential users. Also, the report seems to entertain the notion of more than one commercial station receiving NASA funding when, to be blunt, the projected budget resources can only support one commercial space station – at most – not multiple vehicles. The report notes:
- “NASA also faces an overall risk of a potential gap in LEO. However, it has not yet assessed the likelihood or duration of a gap since undergoing several changes such as revising its acquisition approach. Assessing the likelihood of a potential gap would help NASA make more informed decisions on how to mitigate this risk.”
- “NASA is approaching a critical juncture when it must assess readiness and decide whether to pursue the retirement of the ISS and transition to the use of commercial space stations. If the commercial space stations are not assessed to be ready in time, NASA may need to consider other options, such as extending ISS operations beyond 2030, which would have budget implications.”
