![\"NASA](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/nasa_meatball_large.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>NASA is advancing American leadership in space by taking the next step toward a future where commercial space stations lead the way in low Earth orbit. On Friday, the agency released its final Request for Proposals<\/a> inviting industry to submit plans for the next generation of commercial space stations.<\/p>\n \u201cIn alignment with the President\u2019s National Space Policy, NASA is committed to maintaining a sustained American presence in low Earth orbit long after the International Space Station retires,\u201d said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. \u201cWe will continue to need a place to conduct research, develop technologies, train crews, and prepare for missions to the Moon and Mars. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Building on the agency\u2019s Ignition<\/a> event earlier this year, NASA regularly has engaged with private industry to shape the agency\u2019s future direction in low Earth orbit. This included publishing two Requests for Information<\/a> in March to gather industry\u2019s perspective on low Earth orbit destinations and transportation. The agency also published a draft Request for Proposals in July, followed by an industry day and one-on-one meetings that allowed interested companies to review and comment on the planned acquisition approach.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve made it clear that NASA will never give up its presence in low Earth orbit,\u201d said Isaacman. \u201cSince Ignition, we have spent a lot of time listening to industry and working through what it will take to make this transition successful. The opportunity is significant, but the economics ultimately have to work. We want to see credible plans, strong technical execution, and companies prepared to invest in destinations that can serve NASA while developing additional customers and markets of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n Proposals are due Tuesday, Dec. 8, with contract awards expected in spring 2027.<\/p>\n Under the solicitation, NASA outlines requirements for companies interested in designing, building, testing, certifying, and operating commercial low Earth orbit destinations capable of providing end-to-end destination and transportation services for human spaceflight use.<\/p>\n NASA intends to award firm-fixed-price, multi-award, indefinite-delivery\/indefinite-quantity contracts supporting development, certification, and services for continued low Earth orbit research and exploration. This will allow NASA to select two or more contractors through early development, followed by a competitive task order for final design, test, and evaluation, as well as certification and services from one or more contractors.<\/p>\n Learn more about NASA\u2019s missions on the agency\u2019s website:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n -end-<\/p>\n George Alderman \/ Joshua Finch
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
george.c.alderman@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n