NASA opens bidding for private low-Earth orbit stations

NASA has issued a formal request for proposals to the United States commercial space sector, initiating a competition to develop private space stations that will succeed the International Space Station. The agency aims to secure a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit as early as 2030, ensuring a dedicated environment for scientific research, technology development, and crew training. This move marks a significant shift in the agency’s strategy, seeking to leverage private industry to maintain orbital capabilities while NASA focuses its resources on deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars.

The 360-page document outlines the specific capabilities NASA requires from potential contractors. Industry responses are due by December 8, with the agency planning to select two or more firms in this initial phase. A final decision is scheduled for April. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasised that the agency will not relinquish its presence in low-Earth orbit, noting that commercial stations could provide the necessary infrastructure while creating new opportunities for American industry. The first phase of the competition guarantees a minimum of $100 million to the selected contractors, with future phases expected to be worth billions of dollars.

A critical aspect of the solicitation concerns the provision of crewed transportation. Previous discussions suggested that contractors would be responsible for securing their own transport, a requirement that posed significant challenges given the current market landscape. SpaceX, the sole provider of operational US crewed vehicles, has indicated it plans to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft once the International Space Station is deorbited. The company has not offered to sell seats to private station operators, creating a potential gap in the transportation market. In response, NASA recently provided an additional $359 million to support Boeing’s certification of its Starliner spacecraft for crewed missions.

The new request for proposals alleviates some of this burden by allowing bidders to proceed without a signed contract or letter of intent from a transportation provider. NASA has stated it will furnish transportation for the first four service missions to the private stations, likely by brokering deals between the private companies and Boeing. The agency has also assigned explicit price estimates for these missions, valuing a four-seat crew flight at $325 million and a cargo flight at $300 million for 2030. This approach removes a substantial logistical and financial obstacle for private providers, who are already tasked with the complex work of constructing, testing, and operating orbital stations.

Several companies are expected to participate in the competition, including Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. Blue Origin, which won an earlier round of funding, faces questions regarding its commitment to the programme, while SpaceX appears unlikely to bid at this stage. The successful contractors will move into Phase 2 next year, which will include funding for the development and certification of the stations. Phase 3 will involve the purchase of at least four missions for NASA astronauts to visit these private facilities.

Industry leaders have responded positively to the release of the documents. Marshall Smith, chief executive of Voyager’s Starlab space station, described the milestone as important, stating that the agency had incorporated industry and government feedback. He expressed confidence that Starlab offers the strongest technical solution and business plan for the role. Axiom Space also welcomed the final request for proposals, with a spokesperson noting that the team was actively reviewing the documents and confident in its ability to meet NASA’s objectives. Vast Space similarly indicated its readiness to compete, highlighting its progress in integrating the Haven-1 module and its goal of building a multi-module station capable of supporting continuous human presence.