Space Forum November 20: Alternatives to Deorbiting the ISS
The National Space Society invites you to the next Space Forum
Thursday, November 20, 2024, 9:00 pm to 10:15 pm EST
Alternatives to Deorbiting the ISS:
Repurposing an International Treasure
With special guest
David Cheuvront
Pilot and Engineer
NASA Johnson Space Center – Retired
The clock is ticking toward the planned 2030 de-orbit of the International Space Station (ISS)—a laboratory, outpost, and symbol of international cooperation for 25 years. But is de-orbiting our only option? In this special Space Forum, retired NASA veteran and engineer David Cheuvront will explore realistic and innovative paths forward, drawing on nearly five decades of engineering and program experience.
With a career spanning aviation, space systems, shuttle-derived launch vehicles, and habitation architectures, David brings a rare blend of hands-on technical leadership and deep program understanding to this discussion.
In this Space Forum, he will look at key questions shaping the post-ISS era, including:
- With the ISS targeted for de-orbit, what viable pathways exist to extend operations, repurpose its infrastructure, or transition to commercial LEO platforms?
- What lessons from maintainability, integration, and reliability engineering can guide the design and operation of future orbital habitats or commercial stations?
- How can policy, economics, and engineering converge to ensure we maintain—and expand—our foothold in low-Earth orbit and beyond?
Whether you’re a space-industry professional, educator, student, or space enthusiast, this forum offers an opportunity to hear firsthand insights from someone who helped shape the ISS—and is now looking ahead to what comes next.
Register today and bring your questions.
This Space Forum complements our September 18 session, “In Space for Earth: The RISE of Small U.S. Businesses Using Space to Benefit Earth,” featuring Lynn Harper.
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David Cheuvront is a pilot, mechanical engineer, and former NASA professional with more than 45 years of experience in aviation, space systems, and advanced technology development. During his NASA career, he played a pivotal role in the evolution of the International Space Station. He led early maintainability concept development for the station’s electrical power system and later served as a lead engineer for ISS Test & Verification, including work on the Japanese Experiment Module and vehicle-level integration.
As Technology Integration Manager for the Johnson Space Center Advanced Development Office, David oversaw Next Generation Launch Technology efforts and contributed to planning for lunar lander development. He also served in Safety and mission assurance roles for major programs including the Orion Crew Vehicle, propellant depot concepts, and early commercial partnership initiatives. David’s expertise in lunar systems and public-private partnership models contributed to the 2015 “Evolvable Lunar Architecture” study, where he led economic analyses for lunar resource utilization.
Register today to reserve your seat and ask your questions. Use the link below.
Register no later than November 20 at 8 pm EST
Past NSS Space Forums and Town Halls may be viewed here.
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