ISS’s Retirement May Be Postponed as U.S. Senate Is About to Review a Bill Prolonging Its Operation by 2030

On August 1st, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted in favour of the Space Frontier Act, S. 3277 cosponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA).

The pivotal concerns of the bill are the extension of the ISS service to 2030 and the amendments regarding the commercial space launches and the problem of space debris. Ultimately, the bill is yet to be approved by the full Senate. What can it change in America’s space operations if the Senate passes it? Considering the lawmakers expect the bill to go to the President’s desk before the term of the current Congress expires, it’s worth looking at.