The cost of space travel is decreasing day by day. This adventure, which was once only for world-leading countries, is now open to the private sector. Many companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and Rocket Lab are adding a new one to their work in this field every day.
This situation, which especially benefits the states, saves organizations like NASA from losing billions of dollars every year. However, according to the information received, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is looking for ways to save more. The target set is something that will surprise everyone. The US is giving up its base in space.
NASA is looking for alternatives to the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS), a spaceport placed in low Earth orbit, is a collaborative project created by five participating space organizations. Funded by the USA, Russia, Japan, the European Union and Canada, the station acts as a base for outer space missions. The money spent for its construction is around 150 billion dollars.
However, this is not the only cost of the base. Even the money spent on keeping the station afloat, as well as space flights, is $5 billion a year. Disturbed by this situation, NASA started working to look for alternatives. The institution, which applies to private space companies such as SpaceX, wants projects for a new base in space.
Aware of the cost of establishing its own station, NASA does not want to embark on a new project after the retirement of the ISS, which is now starting to expire. Unfortunately, it is currently unclear who the institution is contacting and who will use its station. However, the budget that the USA is ready to pay is estimated to be around 400 million dollars.
This situation, which is quite interesting, brought to mind other discussions. As you know, in most of the science fiction movies about the future, space was generally under the control of private companies, not states. The increasing number of private initiatives in recent times has brought to mind the possibility of the said scenario.
So what do you think about this subject? Is NASA doing the right thing by renting space from a private company instead of building another space station? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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