[Galxeagle]

I like thinking about the ISS as primarily engineering (and operational) experiments rather than hard science. As a space platform, it's provided learning on how to contract private companies for space flights, and in turn, how they should operate, plan, etc. Or how to do internationally coordinated space operations. All of the work it takes to mature a new tech to a 7,8, or 9 on the NASA Technology Readiness Level[0] while Curiosity and Ingenuity and other long-distance (and JPL) missions focus on the hard science of 1's and 2's.

That said, I too think the main value of ISS declined several years ago or more. Looking forward to the next generation, whatever it is

[1] https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/space-communications-...

[Animats]

> Looking forward to the next generation, whatever it is

Tiangong [1]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiangong_space_station

[hx8]

> As a space platform, it's provided learning on how to contract private companies for space flights, and in turn, how they should operate, plan, etc.

This would be great if we knew where we are heading. Without a clear goal/destination the most likely outcome is we get board and lose the institutional knowledge we paid so much money to gain.