NASA backs deep space habitat made with old ISS cargo module

NASA launched the NextSTEP program in 2016 in an effort to develop a suitable habitat for astronauts traveling farther than low-Earth orbit. The idea is to create a vehicle with living quarters that can also carry enough supplies to support spacefarers’ journey that could last months, or even years. Since it could be used as a homebase for astronauts visiting cislunar orbit, as well, it must be