The International Space Station hosts scores of experiments that can’t be done on Earth. But it’s also showing its age—with repairs and safety concerns becoming increasingly common as it draws nearer to its end of life. In this episode, we bring you a conversation with Astronaut Michael López-Alegría about the path forward for research in low Earth orbit, from MIT Technology Review’s flagship conference, EmTech MIT.

CREDITS:

This episode was created by Jennifer Strong, Anthony Green and Emma Cillekens. It was edited by Mat Honan, directed by Erin Underwood and mixed by Garret Lang. Episode art by Stephanie Arnett and special thanks this week to Amy Lammers and Brian Bryson from our events team.

SOUNDS: 

What the next space station might look like, CNBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRcNxPCC9_A

International space station removed from orbit 2031, NBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My_mUGfc418

Space Station to retire in 2031, NASA says, Fox 35 Orlando

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFN9CJGa2TQ