Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • NASA finalises Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy

Space

NASA finalises Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy

As part of its efforts to enable broader use of space, NASA has released its final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit, defining the long-term approach toward advancing microgravity science, technology and exploration for the benefit of all.

Above: An artist’s concept of the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting Earth. In the distance is the Moon and a red star representing Mars.
Courtesy NASA

Developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders, NASA's Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy will guide the agency toward the next generation of continuous human presence in orbit, enable greater economic growth, and maintain international partnerships.

Advertisement
ODU RT

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, said: "As we near the retirement of the International Space Station in 2030, these objectives are a pivotal next step in solidifying US leadership in space.

"Our consultation with industry, academia, and international partners has helped refine a visionary roadmap for our future in low Earth orbit, which will be enabled by a continuous human presence. Together, we are ensuring that the benefits of exploring space continue to grow – advancing science, innovation and opportunities for all, while preparing for humanity's next giant leap of exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond."

In early 2024, NASA initiated a planning process that included drafting an initial set of goals and objectives for the low Earth orbit microgravity environment and seeking feedback from its workforce, government partners, industry, academia, international space agencies and the public. The agency reviewed more than 1,800 comments and hosted two workshops, resulting in essential adjustments to the goals and objectives to better align with its partners.

The final framework includes 13 goals and 44 objectives across seven key areas: commercial low Earth orbit infrastructure, operations, science, research and technology development for exploration, international cooperation, workforce development and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement and public engagement.

The agency's efforts in low Earth orbit are integral to its broader ambitions for deep space exploration. The microgravity environment in low Earth orbit provides a cost-effective, easily accessible proving ground for technologies and research necessary for human missions to explore the solar system. With most of the journey to Moon and Mars occurring in microgravity, the objectives give the opportunity to continue vital human research, test future exploration systems and retain the critical skills needed to operate in the microgravity environment.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station and acting director of commercial spaceflight, said: "These finalised objectives represent a clear path forward as NASA transitions from the International Space Station to a new era of commercial space stations.
 
"Low Earth orbit will remain a hub for scientific discovery, technological advancement and international cooperation, while making strategic investments in a commercial space ecosystem that benefits not just NASA but the entire space community."

The low Earth orbit microgravity goals and objectives, combined with significant stakeholder engagement, drive NASA's need to maintain an unbroken, continuous heartbeat of humans in the commercial low Earth orbit destinations era. NASA requires long-duration flights to mitigate risk for future trips to the Red Planet. To ensure reliable access to and use of low Earth orbit, a diversity of providers operating on a regular cadence is essential.

The objectives will also guide the development of requirements for future commercial space stations that will support NASA's missions, while reducing risk for human missions to Mars, preserving operational skills, advancing critical scientific research and sustaining engagement with international and commercial partners.

John Keefe, director of cross-agency strategy integration at NASA, said: "Collaboration and consultation remain a cornerstone of our low Earth orbit strategy.
 
"The objectives we've established will help NASA craft a work plan that ensures NASA is positioned to meet current and future needs and prioritises the development of critical capabilities for low Earth orbit."

The low Earth orbit microgravity goals and objectives are available online at: https://go.nasa.gov/3DsMtNI

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
British-built Biomass satellite launched

Space

British-built Biomass satellite launched

29 April 2025

The Biomass Earth observation satellite developed by British academics and engineers - set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth's forests in 3D from space - launched today.

British satellite to be first to map Earth’s forests in 3D

Space

British satellite to be first to map Earth’s forests in 3D

25 April 2025

A satellite developed by British academics and engineers is set to become the first in the world to measure the condition of the Earth’s forests from space.

ACES docked with ISS

Space

ACES docked with ISS

22 April 2025

Following its Falcon 9 launch from Kennedy Space Center, the Airbus-built ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space) has now docked with the International Space Station (ISS).

New scientific experiments and supplies delivered to ISS

Space

New scientific experiments and supplies delivered to ISS

22 April 2025

Following the successful launch of NASA's SpaceX 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission, new scientific experiments and supplies are being delivered to the International Space Station (ISS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
CGI VirtualFlightRecorder to enhance aviation safety

Aerospace Space

CGI VirtualFlightRecorder to enhance aviation safety

15 April 2025

CGI today announced an expansion of the Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative, developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.

UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties

Space

UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties

14 April 2025

Cyprus and the UK are set to collaborate more closely on space activities following a bilateral event held in Nicosia on 27th-28th March.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025