NASA on Friday released a much-anticipated “request” to the US commercial space industry to develop private space stations that, as early as 2030, will succeed the International Space Station as a place for astronauts to live in low-Earth orbit. In a cover letter accompanying the 360-page “request for proposals,” NASA stated its plan: “This will ensure NASA has a sustained human presence in LEO for crew members to perform science and exploration.” Several private companies that have worked for years on designing and developing such stations have been keen to learn exactly what capabilities NASA is seeking. These new documents finally provide some answers.
NASA’s solicitation can be found here. Industry responses are due back to NASA on December 8. NASA said it plans to select “two or more” contractors in this phase of the competition, and intends to make a final decision in April.
Commercial space stations may provide that capability while creating new opportunities for American industry and allowing NASA to concentrate more of our resources on the near-impossible missions ahead.” Bidders for this funding phase will certainly include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. Blue Origin won an earlier round of funding from NASA, but questions remain about the company’s commitment to the program. SpaceX appears unlikely to bid, at least for now.
Phase 1 winners will be guaranteed at least $100 million. Future phases of the contract will be worth billions. NASA said Phase 2 of this “Commercial LEO Destinations” competition, kicking off next year, will include funding for development and certification of space stations, and Phase 3 will include the purchase of at least four missions for NASA astronauts to the private space stations.
One of the most closely watched elements of the NASA request was its provisions for crewed transportation to the stations. In earlier discussions with potential space station providers, NASA had indicated it may leave acquiring transportation to the contractors—basically saying it was their responsibility to sell an end-to-end service to the space agency.
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