Today, the Subcommittee on Space held a hearing to discuss operational challenges facing the International Space Station (ISS). In the past year the space community has experienced a number of challenges related to ISS operations, including three failed resupply launches.
The subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Bill Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA; Mr. John Elbon, Vice President and General Manager, Space Exploration, The Boeing Company; The Honorable Paul K. Martin, Inspector General, NASA; Ms. Shelby Oakley, Acting Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Government Accountability Office; and Dr. James A. Pawelczyk, Associate Professor of Physiology and Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University.
Ranking Member Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) of the Space Subcommittee said, “I’m pleased that the number of ISS users has grown. In addition to NASA researchers and NASA-supported academic researchers, the ISS National Laboratory management entity, CASIS, has drawn new commercial users including pharmaceutical companies to the ISS.
“However, while the range of ISS uses is expanding, the resources to support those activities are not. Funding for ISS research represents a mere 12 percent of the overall ISS budget. In addition, constraints on cargo transportation to the ISS, as well as available power and precious crew time, limit what research can be accomplished on the Station. And in that regard, I know that many of us want to understand the implications of cargo resupply interruptions on planned ISS research, crew operations, and the sustainability of the ISS.”
She noted that, “Orbital debris, malfunctions to key systems both internal and external to the ISS, and human health hazards pose significant risks to the ISS facility and its crew. The unfortunate loss of the SpaceX-7 cargo resupply mission less than two weeks ago, along with the earlier losses of the Russian Progress and Orbital ATK cargo missions over the past 8 months, are stark reminders of the risks and challenges that NASA and its partners continue to face.”
Members and witnesses agreed on the importance of learning from past problems, especially those related to the recent failed launches and addressing the engineering, design, and systems challenges moving forward. Mr. Gerstenmaier informed the Committee that the recent failed SpaceX cargo resupply mission cost NASA over $100 million, in addition to the loss of scientific experiments and other investments onboard from schools and other organizations. Members also discussed the importance of carrying out the ISS research needed to achieve the goal of sending humans to Mars.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) of the Full Committee said, “I have said before that the ISS is a perishable commodity. We need to be clear on what NASA needs to accomplish with this unique laboratory while it is still operational. While the Administration has proposed to extend ISS operations until 2024, maintaining the ISS involves risks and a significant opportunity cost. We need to ensure that the ISS is being used in a way that maximizes its productivity and value to the nation.
“In addition, if we are to ensure that the needed ISS research and technology activities are carried out, it is clear that we are going to need to make the necessary investments. Stagnant ISS research budgets do not communicate the message that we are serious about supporting the important research and technology efforts that can only be accomplished on the ISS. That is a problem that Congress can and should fix.”
