NASA seeks US industry plans for commercial space stations
Final RFP for post-ISS commercial LEO destinations is out; proposals due 8 December, awards eyed for spring 2027.
NASACommercial space stationsLow Earth orbitISSRFPJared IsaacmanHuman spaceflightLEO economyCLDSProcurementIndustry
NASA has released its final Request for Proposals for the next generation of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit, inviting U.S. industry to submit plans for destinations that can take over after the International Space Station retires.
Administrator Jared Isaacman said the move aligns with the President’s National Space Policy and keeps a sustained American presence in LEO for research, technology development, crew training, and preparation for Moon and Mars missions, while opening more room for industry and letting NASA focus resources on harder exploration goals.
The solicitation follows NASA’s Ignition event earlier this year, two Requests for Information in March on LEO destinations and transportation, a draft RFP in July, and an industry day with one-on-one meetings. Isaacman said NASA will not give up its LEO presence and wants credible plans, strong technical execution, and companies ready to invest in destinations that serve NASA while building other customers and markets.
Proposals are due Tuesday, Dec. 8, with contract awards expected in spring 2027. NASA is seeking firms that can design, build, test, certify, and operate commercial LEO destinations offering end-to-end destination and transportation services for human spaceflight. The agency intends to award firm-fixed-price, multi-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts covering development, certification, and services. That path would select two or more contractors through early development, then a competitive task order for final design, test and evaluation, plus certification and services from one or more contractors.
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