NASA Releases Final Request for Proposals for Commercial Space Stations in Low Earth Orbit

NASA is advancing America’s leadership in space with the next step toward a future in which commercial space stations support operations in low Earth orbit. On Friday, the agency released the final version of its request for proposals, calling on industry to submit plans for the next generation of commercial space stations.

NASA Plans Continued U.S. Presence in Low Earth Orbit

“Consistent with the President’s National Space Policy, NASA is committed to maintaining a continued U.S. presence in low Earth orbit after the International Space Station retires,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “We continue to need a place to conduct research, develop technology, train crews, and prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars. A commercial space station could provide that capability while also creating new opportunities for American industry and allowing NASA to focus resources on near-impossible missions ahead.”

Building on the agency’s Ignition event earlier this year, NASA has continued working with private industry to shape its future direction in low Earth orbit. This effort includes two publications, including a request for information focused on industry views of low Earth orbit destinations and transportation.

The agency also published a draft request for proposals in July and subsequently held one-on-one meetings and industry days to give interested companies an opportunity to consider and comment on the proposed acquisition approach.

Commercial Space Stations Must Be Economically Viable

“We’ve made it clear that NASA will never abandon its presence in low Earth orbit,” Isaacman said. “Since Ignition, we have listened to the industry and considered what it will take to make this transition successful. This opportunity is important, but ultimately it has to work out economically. We want to see companies with solid plans, strong technical execution, and ready to invest in destinations that can serve NASA while developing additional customers and their own markets.”

Proposals are expected to be submitted on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with contract closing expected in spring 2027.

NASA Seeks End-to-End Low Earth Orbit Services

Under the solicitation, NASA is outlining requirements for companies interested in designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating commercial low Earth orbit destinations. These destinations must provide end-to-end destination and transportation services for human spaceflight.

NASA intends to enter into a fixed-price, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to support the development, certification, and delivery of services for continued low Earth orbit research and exploration.

The contract structure would allow NASA to select two or more contractors during early development. The agency would then competitively award work for final design, testing and evaluation, certification, and services to one or more contractors.

For more information about NASA’s mission, visit the NASA website.

-end-

George Alderman / Joshua Finch
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
[email protected] / [email protected]