The end of an era is approaching as NASA plans to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) in January 2031, causing it to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere over the remote Pacific Ocean. Since its launch in November 2000, humans have continuously occupied the station, making this event a historical milestone. However, the end of the ISS does not mean the end of human presence in space, with several other space stations and projects in the works.
Tiangong, China’s space station
China’s Tiangong Space Station is currently the only other permanently orbiting space base. It consists of three modules, with plans to double in size by 2027 with the addition of three more modules. Although China’s continued crewing of the station into the 2030s is uncertain, Tiangong is expected to remain in orbit for at least 10 years.
Private space stations
Axiom Space’s Axiom Station is providing a literal continuity between the ISS and future human presence in space. Axiom Space will be sending modules to the ISS for commercial space activities, and when the ISS is decommissioned, Axiom Space will detach and continue its orbit with a crew of eight.
Russia’s new space station
Despite Russia’s initial plans to leave the ISS and start its own station in 2027, it has agreed to continue being part of the ISS until 2028. The planned Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS) will be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing faster access from Russia compared to the ISS. The future of this project remains uncertain.
Lunar Gateway
Looking toward the Moon, the Lunar Gateway is a project involving NASA, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. This international space station placed in lunar orbit is seen as crucial for building and operating bases on the Moon, as well as for potential missions to Mars. Additionally, India and several private companies are considering the development of new space stations, signaling that human presence in space is set to continue well beyond the era of the ISS.
