private space stations

As the end of the ISS looms on the horizon, NASA and private space companies are looking forward to the era of private space stations and what it will mean for humanity's presence in low Earth orbit.

On Space.com's 25th anniversary, here's a look at the next 25 years of commercial space stations that are set to replace the International Space Station in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Sierra Space's latest deliberate explosion saw a futuristic space module prototype blow to pieces. The burst test is meant to assure safety for a space station that may fly in 2030.

NASA has awarded nearly $100 million in additional funding to commercial space station partners that are developing low Earth orbit destinations.

The National Space Council has released a draft bill that would split the regulation of novel space activities between two departments: Transportation and Commerce.

Sierra Space's latest explosion with its LIFE module tested a metal plate inside an inflatable structure. The module will fly on a private successor to the International Space Station.

NASA is emphasizing a seamless transition to future private space stations in low-Earth orbit, but officials say the shift will not be easy.

Amazon has joined the Orbital Reef commercial space station project led by Blue Origin, Sierra Space and Boeing.

There will be a market for humanity's expansion beyond Earth orbit, industry experts said — but none of them can predict what form that market will take.