NASA chief reportedly in talks with companies about running ISS
The head of the US space agency NASA is in talks with several global companies about taking over day-to-day operations at the International Space Station (ISS) in the coming years, US media said on 5 June.
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine made the comments in an interview with the Washington Post.
Bridenstine, the former Oklahoma congressman who was sworn in as leader of the space agency in April 2018, said: ‘We’re in a position now where there are people out there that can do commercial management of the International Space Station. I’ve talked to many large corporations that are interested in getting involved in that through a consortium, if you will.’
He did not reveal which companies he has spoken with.
The White House said earlier in 2018 that it would end direct funding of the orbiting outpost by 2025, a position that raised fierce opposition among some lawmakers.
The annual US investment in the space lab ranges from $3 to $4 billion.
The football-field-sized space lab – which includes Russia, Japan, Canada and European partners –has been continuously occupied by astronauts since 2000.
It cost $100 billion to build and orbits some 400km above the Earth.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
