The First Commercial Space Stations Are Beginning to Take Shape

Humanity is entering a new era in space as private companies begin building the first commercial space stations to succeed the aging International Space Station.

Enabled by reusable rockets and lower launch costs, these orbital platforms are being designed for scientific research, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and long-term habitation.

While they could transform low Earth orbit into a thriving economic hub and accelerate expansion beyond Earth, they also raise new challenges involving space traffic, debris, regulation, and corporate influence. The emergence of commercial stations may represent the first step toward a per

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