NASA In Talks To Turn The ISS Into A Commercial Space Lab

NASA wants to turn the International Space Station into a private space lab managed by a consortium of private companies. Details about the plan were recently given by NASA's Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a new interview, during which he explained that he's been talking with "many large corporations" about getting involved. The White House previously revealed that it plans to cut direct government funding for the ISS by 2025.

The administration's plan to transition the ISS into the private sector proved controversial when introduced earlier this year. There's no solid plan in place at this time over who will take over control of the space station, but Bridenstine reveals that talks are underway, according to WaPo.

"I've talked to many large corporations that are interested in getting involved in that through a consortium, if you will," NASA's Administrator said. The names of these companies weren't provided, however.

The goal, it seems, is for many international companies to form a consortium that will run the International Space Station. The space lab's huge costs at up to $4 billion per year, though, may make it difficult to find corporations interested in maintaining the station.

Details on the White House's transition process remain fuzzy, with the administration previously saying that it will seek plans from private companies. The 2025 goal leaves about seven years for the transition to take place, however, and any number of changes can take place during that time.

SOURCE: Washington Post