After my post above about the ISS, I read with interest today the following article:
It sounds as though both Russia and the USA are tempted to abandon the ISS by the end of 2024, with the potential for private enterprise to take over.
Have to say, the first thing that came to my mind was the tv series, The Expanse.
Whilst Elon’s SpaceX was touted as a potential interested party, given Elon’s aim to set up a base on the Moon (and then Mars), somehow I wonder whether he’d be interested - especially given that the main reason being offered for abandoning the ISS is the goal to return to the Moon, and go to Mars…
Nonetheless, whilst my initial reaction was “Noooo,” I guess the reality is being seen right now - private enterprise has stepped up and is playing a major role in space exploration, instead of it solely being the part of government. And if privatisation of the ISS allows business enterprise the chance to advance technology in ways that haven’t been happening thus far, plus freeing public funds for the push beyond near-Earth orbit… Maybe it is a good thing.