NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore, and Nick Hague have formally rejected Elon Musk’s proposal to retire the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of schedule. Williams emphasized the ongoing scientific value of the ISS, noting that it is fully operational with all systems functioning effectively. She highlighted the importance of maximizing the utility of the station, which is integral not only to U.S. taxpayers but also to international partners, under existing agreements that extend to 2030. The assurances from the ISS crew come in the context of Musk’s earlier assertion that the ISS has fulfilled its purpose, prompting discussions on transitioning toward other orbiting platforms. The reaffirmation of the ISS’s role underscores its critical contribution to ongoing research and international collaboration in space, marking a key moment in the discourse on the future of human spaceflight.
