Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chair Horn Comments on Opening the ISS to Commercial Opportunities
(Washington, DC) – Earlier today, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that it will open the International Space Station (ISS) for commercial business and private astronaut missions with the goal of increasing the supply and demand of a low Earth orbit economy. This includes opportunities for commercial activities to be conducted on the ISS, the use of an ISS port for commercial module attachment, and partnership with industry to develop free-flying commercial stations.
Chair of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Rep. Kendra Horn’s (OK-05), made the following statement.
“The International Space Station is a treasure. For nearly twenty years, it has expanded our understanding of what it means to live and work in space. In investing in the ISS, we’ve built a laboratory to enable scientific research, development, and technology demonstrations from DNA sequencing to advanced technology for water purification now used worldwide.
“But we haven’t done it alone. The ISS is a shining example of international cooperation as well as innovative relationships for transportation services and expanded partner users of the ISS laboratory.
“We all know that the ISS has a finite lifetime and when and how we transition the ISS is critical. NASA just released a strategy for commercial use of the ISS and low Earth orbit development plans. I look forward to reviewing it as we thoughtfully consider the best pathway to transition beyond the long and successful operation of the unique ISS facility.”
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