The International Space Station (ISS) continues to serve as humanity's outpost in low-Earth orbit, playing a pivotal role since its inception at the turn of the century. Yet, the realities of aging infrastructure and increasing operational challenges have underscored the need for its planned retirement around 2030. The year 2024 was characterized by significant events, highlighting the ISS's struggles and triumphs.
At the start of 2024, the Expedition 70 crew was aboard the ISS, which included NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara, among others. Their stay was marked by various developments, including the arrival of the Axiom-3 private mission on January 18. Under the command of seasoned astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, this mission took several NASA and ESA astronauts to the ISS, reinforcing international collaboration.
Problems arose when the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft experienced cooling leaks, resulting in prolonged missions for some crew members who were supposed to return earlier. This reshuffle meant astronauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub were scheduled to stay on board for nearly 374 days, reflecting the ISS's complex and sometimes precarious crew management.
NASA's Commercial Crew Program, intended to maintain American crew rotation capabilities, was challenged once again by the delays surrounding Boeing's Starliner. The capsule launched on June 5 with astronauts but faced complications afterward, leading them to remain on the ISS for extended periods instead. NASA's decision was rooted firmly in ensuring flight safety, resulting in the Starliner returning without its crew.
Alongside these personnel issues, 2024 also showcased advancements and setbacks with the aging Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) used for spacewalks on the US segment of the ISS. While Roscosmos managed to execute two successful spacewalks throughout the year, NASA faced continuous delays due to suit malfunctions, leading to the cancellation of all planned US spacewalks.
ISS operations were bolstered by multiple cargo deliveries, including those from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Russia’s Progress spacecraft. These missions provided supplies and experiments, ensuring the station could continue its scientific research. The ISS performed numerous scientific experiments, focusing on topics from space medicine to material science, which continue to offer invaluable insights about life beyond Earth.
Looking at the future, preparations for the ISS's eventual decommissioning are underway. NASA has contracted SpaceX to develop the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which will be integral to safely disposing of the ISS around 2030. Meanwhile, the agency eyes potential commercial replacements, with companies like Axiom and Blue Origin working on concepts for new low-Earth orbit space stations.
One compelling element to monitor is the response to the ISS's aging systems. An air leak detected on the Zvezda module is noteworthy, with NASA classifying it within the '5x5' risk matrix, indicating high potential for future complications. Such developments will likely dictate operational capabilities as the ISS continues to be utilized until its final days.
While the ISS remains operational, it must increasingly rely on partnerships with spacecraft like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and various international contributions for crew rotation and supply missions. The Crew-10 mission, scheduled for March 2025, is anticipated, but uncertainty remains due to the Starliner program's continuing troubles.
2024 was not only about overcoming obstacles; it was also about setting the stage for future endeavors. NASA's efforts to engage both government and private sector partners will be instrumental as they navigate the upcoming challenging decade of space exploration, where continued innovation and funding will play pivotal roles.
With the ISS expected to remain functional for several more years, its history will undoubtedly impact future space exploration efforts, shaping the next generation of astronauts and scientists venturing beyond Earth.
