U.S. · Ars Technica
NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations
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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.
Key facts
- For 2030, it estimates a four-seat crew flight will cost $325 million, and a cargo flight $300 million
- Phase 1 winners will be guaranteed at least $100 million — This is problematic because SpaceX has said it plans to retire the Crew Dragon spacecraft as soon as possible, and almost certainly when the International Space Station is deorbited in 2030 or 2032
- 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
Summary
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. NASA’s solicitation can be found here. “We’ve made it clear that NASA will never give up its presence in low Earth orbit,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said that accompanied the release of the new documents. Bidders for this funding phase will certainly include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space.