NASA has issued a long-awaited request to the US commercial space industry to build private space stations capable of replacing the International Space Station as early as 2030. The 360-page request for proposals aims to maintain a sustained human presence in low Earth orbit for science and exploration.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the agency's commitment: "We've made it clear that NASA will never give up its presence in low Earth orbit." Industry responses are due by December 8, with NASA planning to select "two or more" contractors and make a final decision in April.
Expected bidders include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. Phase 1 winners will receive at least $100 million, with future phases worth billions. Unlike earlier rounds, contractors do not need proof of a transportation contract with providers like Boeing.
NASA also assigned explicit prices to crew and cargo missions: a four-seat crew flight in 2030 is estimated at $325 million, while a cargo flight costs $300 million. NASA may even furnish transportation for the first four service missions, relieving private providers of a major burden.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing