Save ISS from NASA Crash Plan

Roger Launius, former Chief Historian at NASA, advocates for the preservation of the International Space Station (ISS) as a sanctuary for future explorers. In a recent interview, Launius expressed his desire for the ISS to be saved, emphasizing its significance as a heroic icon of the Space Age. He believes that the station's legacy should continue to inspire new generations of space travelers, extending its epic adventure into a new era. Launius, who chronicled the ISS's creation and evolution, highlights the transformative impact of space stations on humanity. He notes that these orbital beacons, particularly the ISS, have become symbols of a rapidly globalizing culture. Drawing parallels to visionary figures like Wernher von Braun, Launius reflects on how the imaginative depictions of space stations in films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" have influenced public perception and aspirations for space exploration. Despite NASA's plans to deorbit the ISS around 2030, Launius argues for its preservation. He points to a growing backlash against the deorbit strategy, with prominent figures like Jean-Jacques Dordain and former NASA Administrator Michael Griffin joining forces to advocate for a new future for the ISS. Launius's passion for space exploration extends beyond the ISS; he also envisions the Hubble Space Telescope being returned to Earth for display in the National Air and Space Museum, underscoring his commitment to preserving humanity's achievements in space.