A NASA official opened the door to keeping the International Space Station in operation beyond 2030 if commercial space stations are not yet ready.

cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/8492311

I feel conflicted on deorbiting the ISS at the end of its operational life. It is showing its age, and newer space stations will be no doubt be better, but it seems a shame to lose such an iconic piece of history.

I wonder if it would be possible to preserve it in space as a museum for future generations to visit. Thoughts?

  • @captainlezbian@lemmy.world
    11•8 months ago

    Everything in space is there temporarily. We can reconstruct it here, but what kind of museum would it be up there? Just a place the rich can visit. No here a replica can inspire kids to be scientists and engineers and pilots. Let it die like the eagle lander died. Space is beautiful and should have its monuments, but we should make sure they’re worth the cost and effort

    • CosmicSploogeDrizzleEnglish
      14•8 months ago

      I mean, I get your point, but tracking it and going out with my telescope to see it fly by outside as a kid was such a foundational moment for me. It’ll be sad to know its gone without a replacement in the meantime