American astronauts have been in low-Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station for nearly a quarter century.

Their continuous presence in space has led to innovations such as cochlear implants that help deaf people hear, technology that makes our phone cameras sharper, better water filtration and so much more that benefits us back here on Earth.

Unfortunately, President Trump’s budget effectively decommissions the space station, despite years of potential usefulness still ahead.

In its own words, the administration plans to “focus on maintaining minimal safe operations and very limited research essential to Moon and Mars exploration until [the station’s] retirement in 2030.” That includes exploring reduced cargo and crew flights as today’s transportation capacity won’t be needed in a minimal........

© The Hill