Human Exploration and Development of Space 2: Permanent Habitation of Space

Enable Humans to Live and Work Permanently in Space

Other Information:

NASA is working to enable and establish a permanent, productive human presence in space, in which new technologies and new ways of doing business afford unprecedented commercial and scientific opportunities. As a first step, NASA will upgrade the Space Shuttle to improve safety and reliability and will continue to transition it from Government to contractor operations. At the same time, HEDS will work with the Aerospace Technology Enterprise and with industry to develop technologies for future launch and in-space transportation. The aim is to advance systems for both commercial and Government use that are much safer and more economical than current capabilities. While developing future space transportation mechanisms, NASA will in the next few years complete, with international participation, the International Space Station (ISS), and initiate the Station-based scientific research efforts described above. A key HEDS strategy is to eventually commercialize ISS. NASA will continue to design strategies to maintain health, safety, and performance in the hostile environment of space. NASA will also develop efficient, self-sustaining, life-support systems providing safe, hospitable environments for space exploration. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Complete transition of the Space Shuttle to Space Flight Operations Contract (SFOC) and undertake needed upgrades - Complete ISS development and pursue creation of a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to simplify processes for and/costs of access to space - Conduct exploration and engineering research — and enable scientific and commercial research — activities on the ISS to enrich health, safety, and the quality of life on Earth

Objective(s):

1: Access to Space

2: Space Station

3: Health, Safety, and Performance

4: Sustenance with Low Costs

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