.8. Conclusion on NASA's Diminishing yet Important Role in Space Exploration:
As commercial space activities, led by innovators like SpaceX with its Starship V3/Block 3, exponentially outpace government efforts, NASA's role must adjust to maximize its strengths.
By exiting costly, outdated rocket programs like SLS, acquiring a dedicated space station like Vast’s Haven-1 or Starship-derived habitat, and expanding training to certify diverse spacefarers, NASA can lead without competing.
Its focus should center on high-risk scientific missions (e.g., probing Mars’ Valles Marineris or Europa’s oceans), prototyping advanced technologies like nuclear propulsion and artificial gravity, setting regulatory standards, and fostering partnerships like Artemis.
This ensures NASA remains a vital catalyst, driving humanity’s solar system ambitions while leveraging the private sector as it scales up in the coming years.
