NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations

Key Points:

• NASA has released a detailed request for proposals (RFP) to the US commercial space industry for developing private space stations to succeed the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030, aiming to maintain a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
• The agency plans to select two or more contractors by April, with initial industry responses due December 8, and will provide at least $100 million to Phase 1 winners, with subsequent phases potentially worth billions for development, certification, and crewed missions.
• NASA will support crew and cargo transportation to these private stations by offering to furnish the first four NASA service missions, alleviating the burden on contractors who need not have signed agreements with transportation providers like Boeing or SpaceX.
• Industry leaders such as Voyager Space’s Starlab and Axiom Space have welcomed the RFP, expressing confidence in their proposals and readiness to compete for NASA’s commercial LEO destinations program.
• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized NASA’s commitment to maintaining a presence in LEO for research, technology development, crew training, and preparation for Moon and Mars missions, while fostering opportunities for American industry.