What will happen after the International Space Station?

In this episode of the BBC Inquiry podcast, the focus is on the International Space Station's (ISS) scheduled decommissioning in 2028 and what lies ahead for space exploration. The discussion delves into the ISS's legacy as a beacon of post-Cold War global collaboration, its remarkable scientific contributions, and the difficulties of maintaining partnerships in the face of geopolitical strains, especially concerning Russia. Additionally, the podcast examines the rising influence of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are eager to develop commercial space stations and eventually create human habitats on other planets, potentially taking over the ISS's role in low Earth orbit. The episode wraps up by contemplating the future of international cooperation in space and the possibility of competing factions emerging in this new frontier.