LEO.
It stands for low-Earth orbit.
That's a portion of outer space, about 250 miles up.
And for over 20 years, it's been home to the world's most unique laboratory:
The International Space Station.
In this weightless environment,
the Space Station has enabled scientific and engineering breakthroughs
that just weren't possible on Earth.
It's taught us more about our planet, physics and biology,
and it's preparing humans to travel farther from home than ever before.
And as the Space Station approaches its end of life,
America will maintain leadership in LEO
by enabling a new era of commercial space flight.
Through the commercial LEO development program,
NASA is working with industry partners to develop the first generation of
commercial space destinations.
These will be privately owned and operated space facilities
where NASA will be just one of many customers.
This new orbital economy will stimulate commerce and usher in the next
generation of aerospace engineering.
Opening the door for scientific discoveries and private astronauts,
allowing NASA to continue its critical research in LEO,
supporting deep space exploration,
and bringing those benefits back home to earth.
Welcome to America's Future in low-Earth orbit.