9 future space stations that will replace the ISS

The International Space Station can’t last forever, but since it was first occupied in 2000, there has always been a crew of astronauts living and working in space.

NASA has already announced that it has chosen SpaceX to build the US Deorbit vehicle that will safely orbit the space station around 2030, meaning the ISS will soon be gone.

So what will replace the International Space Station?

When the International Space Station is deorbited, human access to low Earth orbit should continue without interruption.

Various space stations are under development, starting with one that is already in flight.

Tiangong Space Station (China)

Artist’s impression of China’s Tiangong Space Station. Credit: Adrian Mann/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

The three-module Tiangong with a permanent crew is supposed to survive the ISS. Finally, the space telescope module will be attached to it.

FEASIBILITY: China, which has been in orbit since April 2021 and is expected to last at least a decade, hopes the station will be a new center for international cooperation after the ISS.

Axiom Space Station (USA)

Artist's impression of the Axiom space station. Credit: Axiom — Artist’s impression of the Axiom space station. Credit: Axiom

This four-module commercial station will be used for space production, experiments and tourism.

FEASIBILITY: Supported by the NASA Space Act Agreement (SAA), it is to be docked on the ISS. The first two modules were produced.

Orbital Cliff (USA)

Artist's impression of the Orbital Reef space station. Credit: Blue Origin — Artist’s impression of the Orbital Reef space station. Credit: Blue Origin

Led by Blue Origin and Sierra Space, this “business park in space” is based on an expandable primary module.

FEASIBILITY: Supported by NASA SAA, launched by Blue Origin’s New Glenn and operated by Sierra Space’s Dreamchaser spaceplane (both unflyable).

Starlab (USA)

Artist's impression of the Starlab space station. Credit: Starlab — Artist’s impression of the Starlab space station. Credit: Starlab

Led by Nanoracks, Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin, the commercial station is based around a main inflatable module and an attached “science park”.

FEASIBILITY: Supported by NASA SAA. Nanoracks’ Bishop airlock was the first commercial addition to the ISS. Deadline 2028.

Northrup Grumman Station (USA)

Artist's impression of the Northrop Grumman Space Station — Artist’s impression of the Northrop Grumman Space Station

A three-module commercial station serving several sectors including microgravity research, space manufacturing and space tourism.

FEASIBILITY: Supported by NASA SAA, the modules are to be based on the successful Cygnus craft. Phase 1 will be launched in late 2028.

ISRO Space Station (India)

ISRO space station model. Credit: Pallava Bagla/Corbis via Getty Images

Designed for 15-20 day stays, this 400 km single module station will be manned by the Gaganyaan spacecraft.

FEASIBILITY: Russia is providing technical assistance, but Gaganyaan has yet to fly. The space station is planned for the mid-2030s.

Airbus LOOP (Europe)

Artist's impression depicting the decks of the Airbus LOOP space station — Artist’s impression depicting the decks of the Airbus LOOP space station

Commercial single-module station with a diameter of 8 ms with a spacious three-story design for long-term stays. Fit for launch by Elon Musk’s starship.

FEASIBILITY: The project is based on a strong European technical heritage, but no customer has yet been announced.

Large Space Station (USA)

Artist's impression of the VAST space station — Artist’s impression of the VAST space station

Artificial gravity habitats for space tourism and manufacturing to be launched and managed by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon. From the end of 2025.

FEASIBILITY: Backed by financier Jed McCaleb. Artificial gravity will help
a less desirable test environment.

Gateway (US/Europe/Japan/Canada)

An artist's rendering of NASA's Lunar Gateway in orbit around the Moon. Credit: NASA/Alberto Bertolin — An artist’s rendering of NASA’s Lunar Gateway in orbit around the Moon. Credit: NASA/Alberto Bertolin

In lunar orbit, this five-module station will serve as a base camp en route to the lunar surface.

FEASIBILITY: Needs SLS or Falcon Heavy launches. The first module launches in late 2025. NASA’s Capstone CubeSat is currently testing the Gateway elliptical orbiter.

This article appeared in November 2023 in BBC Sky at Night Magazine