NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy

Leading the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit to advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration.

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Introduction

What is the LEO Microgravity Strategy?

NASA’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Microgravity Strategy builds on the agency’s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. From Mercury and Gemini to Apollo and the Space Shuttle, NASA’s human spaceflight programs have established a foundation for understanding how humans can live and work in space. The International Space Station, now in its third decade of operations, has been vital for microgravity research, providing insights and technology beneficial to life on Earth. As the space station nears the end of its operational life, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit operations model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits.

The LEO Microgravity Strategy focuses on several objectives: preserving and expanding research capabilities, advancing national and international space leadership, developing critical technologies for deep space exploration, and inspiring future generations through impactful space missions. By leveraging commercial and international partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity.

NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit

As part of the agency’s efforts to enable broader use of space, NASA has released its final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit, defining the long-term approach toward advancing microgravity science, technology, and exploration for the benefit of all. 

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NASA Invites Public Input on Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy

As NASA and its partners continue to conduct groundbreaking research aboard the International Space Station, the agency announced Monday it is seeking U.S. industry, academia, international partners, and other stakeholders’ feedback on newly developed goals and objectives that will help guide the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit.

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NASA Hosts Two Workshops for Consultation on LEO Microgravity Strategy

NASA’s LEO Microgravity Strategy effort aims to develop and document an objectives-based approach toward the next generation of human presence in low Earth orbit to advance microgravity science, technology, and exploration. 

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