Voyager Space’s Post

The case for a continuous human presence in space - As we weigh the future of low Earth orbit (LEO) post-ISS, we must recognize the profound difference between intermittent presence and the continuous human heartbeat that keeps these missions alive and drives societal advancement. - If we move away from aspirations for a continuous human presence, we risk regressing to an era when humans were visitors, not inhabitants, in orbit. Such a shift would compromise decades of scientific and institutional presence and hinder our ability to build a sustainable future in space. - Human presence equals human progress - A human presence allows us to react in real-time, maximizing the value of taxpayer-funded technology the cosmology community masterfully designed, built, and transported to the end of the world. - The heartbeat of progress We are at a critical juncture. Choosing intermittent missions over continuous presence in LEO would return us to the shuttle era, an era of sporadic exploration, constraining breakthroughs and stalling progress.  - NOTE: We must resist the easier, cheaper path of “continuous capability” and instead commit to continuous human presence in LEO, as China is doing with its Tiangong space station. - This is about more than advancing science— it’s about maintaining the infrastructure that makes these advances possible. Intermittent presence reduces us to visitors in space, and visitors seldom build a future. Let’s not let the heart of human space exploration skip a beat. - https://lnkd.in/eP5GJAHz

Exciting News from NASA! NASA has unveiled its final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit, marking a significant step towards advancing microgravity science and exploration. With input from industry, academia, and international partners, this Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy aims to ensure a continuous human presence in orbit, fostering economic growth and international collaboration. As we approach the retirement of the International Space Station in 2030, this strategy outlines 13 goals and 44 objectives across key areas such as commercial infrastructure, scientific research, and workforce development. It sets the stage for NASA's future in low Earth orbit and deep space exploration, providing a vital proving ground for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By maintaining a strong presence in low Earth orbit, NASA is committed to advancing science and innovation while preparing for humanity's next giant leap. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of space exploration continue to grow for all! #NASA #SpaceExploration #LowEarthOrbit #Innovation #STEM #InternationalCollaboration

When I wrote my recent OpEd, "The case for a continuous human presence in space" (SpaceNews), I underscored the importance of treating humanity’s place in low Earth orbit as a sustained investment—not a fleeting excursion. It’s encouraging to see NASA’s newly finalized strategy align with this vision, emphasizing a "continuous heartbeat" of human activity in LEO. This commitment solidifies LEO as a cornerstone for innovation, research, and commercial development. It’s a recognition that LEO is not just a destination but an ecosystem—one that supports science, inspires new industries, and paves the way for sustainable growth in space. Read NASA’s strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gK3h_3x7 Read my OpEd on the subject: https://lnkd.in/g3h4yiXm

As NASA focuses on exploring the Moon, Mars, and the solar system for the benefit of humanity, the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is shifting how it prioritizes technology development. #NASA #NationalSpaceTechnologyDevelopment #SpaceTechnologymissionDirectorate #STMD

Excited to share my OpEd published in SpaceNews, where I tie my Antarctic experience with the necessity of maintaining a sustained human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It's a critical time when we must make a long-term investment in humanity’s future in space. Article link: https://lnkd.in/g3h4yiXm What do you think are the key challenges and opportunities for continuous human presence in LEO? #SpaceExploration #LEO #HumanPresence #SpaceEconomy

🚀 New geopolitics in space : what awaits us • By Simonetta Di Pippo « Space stations initially in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) followed by Moon exploration represent the current and future arenas of international competition. As research stations and lunar villages become established, it is hoped that a spirit of cooperation will prevail, aligning with the goal of maintaining the peaceful use of outer space. Each country's step towards expanding humanity beyond Earth will be observed, particularly the contributions from Asian space powers, which are expected to play a significant role. » ⤵️

Technological development is of great gain and, especially, Brazil participating and contributing to the studies.

NASA's Private Collaborators Advance Low Earth Orbit Initiatives The pursuit of innovation in space exploration continues to gain momentum, driven by NASA and its commercial partners. These collaborations have resulted in significant advancements that promise to enhance human spaceflight and bolster commercial efforts in low Earth orbit. Recent achievements from NASA’s industry partners highlight progress in safety, successful flight tests, and technological advancements. Angela Hart, who manages the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, emphasized the importance of these developments. "Our commercial partners’ growing capabilities in low Earth orbit underscore NASA’s commitment to advance scientific discovery, pioneering space technology, and support […] https://lnkd.in/dXfJmXEC https://lnkd.in/dfTwuf52

On Friday, SpaceX CRS-31 returns to Earth, bringing groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform space exploration as we know it. Led by Dr. Amor Menezes and a team from the University of Florida—Dr. Yousong Ding, Dr. Jamie Foster, and Dr. Sean Niemi—this pioneering experiment on the International Space Station is pushing the limits of microbial biomanufacturing in space. In the microgravity environment of the ISS, the team has optimized engineered microbes to produce high-demand compounds which are critical resources for long-duration space missions. By simulating the gravity conditions of the Moon and Mars, this experiment explores how microbes can be used to produce life-sustaining resources in space. These findings have the power to revolutionize how we support human presence beyond Earth, ensuring self-sufficiency on the Moon, Mars, and future space destinations. Alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague, who initiated the experiment, the team has worked together in the spirit of collaboration to generate insights that will serve as a cornerstone for future missions. The upcoming analysis of the returned samples is a monumental step forward in determining how we can manufacture vital resources in space, keeping explorers sustained and thriving during long missions. This research exemplifies the spirit of Astraeus, where curiosity, collaboration, and inspiring breakthroughs drive us toward a future where humanity thrives in space. As we continue to expand our understanding of microbial biomanufacturing, we move one step closer to making sustainable, off-Earth exploration a reality. For more information: https://lnkd.in/erU_fAHy

🚀 Trump's Vision for Space Exploration: What's on the Horizon? 🚀 Explore former President Donald Trump's ambitious plans for space exploration and their potential impact on the future of the space industry. 🌌🛰️ Delve into how these visionaries aim to shape the next era of cosmic discovery. 🚀🌟 Discover the goals and strategies that could redefine humanity's reach beyond our planet. 🌍✨ #SpaceExploration #TrumpVision #SpaceIndustry #FutureOfSpace #WallStreetTimes https://lnkd.in/dWVbPGUY