NASA Advisor Concerned about ISS Transition Plan to CLD

JAKARTA - The United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) advisory panel does not seem to agree with the plan to transition the International Space Station (ISS) to a commercial successor station.

Quoting from Spacenews, ASAP admitted he was worried. They fear that the development schedule for Commercial Destinations in Low Earth Orbit (CLD) will disrupt the smooth running of NASA's program in low Earth orbit (LEO).

David West, a member of ASAP, emphasized that this planned move could create risks to NASA's entire LEO plans. Moreover, this move has a high-level framework within a tight time frame.

In keeping with his concerns, ASAP issued recommendations a few days ago. The recommendation calls for NASA to create a comprehensive understanding of the various requirements necessary for this transition.

“NASA must develop a comprehensive understanding of the resources and schedule of the ISS transition plan to commercial LEO to a much higher level of rigor,” said David.

In addition to providing broad insight, NASA must be able to maintain appropriate assumptions, metrics, and deadlines in assessing the company's progress.

At least, the foundation used by NASA must be sufficient to support the development, production and operation of the station that replaces the ISS.

For your information, NASA plans to implement an orderly transition from the ISS to CLD through the private sector. NASA hopes this move will be able to meet the needs in LEO.

NASA already has designs for three commercial space stations. The plan is that CLD will start operating at the end of the 2020s for all customers, government and private sectors.