Space Exploration Tool: An Instrument of American Influence in the Cosmos
The International Space Station (ISS), a symbol of international collaboration and diplomacy, has been a vital asset for science, diplomacy, and industry since its launch in 2000. The mission, certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, enjoys strong support from multiple U.S. government departments and Capitol Hill.
As a mission-critical asset, the ISS plays a critical role in U.S. and allied national security. It serves as a platform for demonstrating and sustaining American presence and power in low Earth orbit (LEO), which is essential for future space defense and strategic operations.
Economically, the ISS acts as an incubator for space-based innovation and commercial activity. It supports a growing space manufacturing economy, advances critical medical research (including treatments for blindness, cancer, and Parkinson’s), and fosters new technology startups. This activity sustains specialized space talent, supply chains, and space-related industries.
From a leadership perspective, the ISS exemplifies U.S. global leadership through international collaboration, innovation, and investment. It helps maintain America’s dominant role in human spaceflight and ensures a foundation for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The ISS is also a unique laboratory for research in microgravity, producing over 400 peer-reviewed publications and supporting pharmaceutical advances, thus boosting America’s scientific stature and translational benefits to Earth. It serves as a proving ground for technologies and human factors related to long-duration spaceflight, supporting national space exploration goals.
The ISS has catalysed a commercial network of companies to build products and services for economic activity in LEO. It supports NASA's moon and Mars hardware development, advances human health and performance research, and enables fundamental and applied research.
However, proposed adjustments in the 2026 federal budget for NASA's Space Operations programs could impact U.S. capabilities in LEO. To preserve these strategic, economic, and leadership advantages, Congress must continue to fund ISS operations, transportation, and research. Maintaining American presence in low-earth orbit serves national interests in human space exploration, strengthens international partnerships, and encourages commercial investment.
The transition of the ISS to Commercial Low-Earth Orbit (CLEO) platforms will unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. This transition, coupled with the recent launch of the Space Leadership Council by the Chamber in collaboration with commercial technology leaders for space exploration and innovation, sets the path forward for the United States to solidify its position as the global leader in space exploration and innovation.
In December 2024, the Chamber led a space sector business mission to the United Arab Emirates to discuss opportunities for American companies in the booming space economy. This mission underscores the importance of maintaining the ISS and its benefits for the U.S. and its partners.
In conclusion, the International Space Station enhances U.S. national security by maintaining strategic space presence, drives economic growth through innovation and commercial opportunities, and sustains American leadership in space exploration and technology development. Its continued operation is essential for preserving these strategic, economic, and leadership advantages.
- The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a platform for demonstrating and sustaining American presence and power in low Earth orbit (LEO), which is crucial for future space defense and strategic operations.
- Economically, the ISS acts as an incubator for space-based innovation and commercial activity, supporting a growing space manufacturing economy, advances in critical medical research, and fostering new technology startups.
- From a leadership perspective, the ISS exemplifies U.S. global leadership through international collaboration, innovation, and investment, helping maintain America’s dominant role in human spaceflight.
- The ISS is a unique laboratory for research in microgravity, producing over 400 peer-reviewed publications and supporting pharmaceutical advances, thus boosting America’s scientific stature and providing translational benefits to Earth.
- The ISS has catalyzed a commercial network of companies to build products and services for economic activity in LEO, supporting NASA's moon and Mars hardware development, and advancing human health and performance research.
- Maintaining American presence in low-earth orbit through the ISS is essential for preserving strategic, economic, and leadership advantages, as its operation supports national interests in human space exploration, strengthens international partnerships, and encourages commercial investment.
