As we approach the 2030 retirement of the International Space Station, the potential for commercial space travel is growing more tangible. With private companies taking a lead role, the next phase of exploration could transform how humanity reaches beyond Earth.

With the International Space Station nearing retirement, the United States faces a pivotal moment to maintain its leadership in space. Urgent support for commercial space stations is essential to prevent a gap in America’s presence in low Earth orbit and to counter China’s advancing Tiangong space station.