NASA on Friday released a 360-page request for proposals seeking commercial space stations to succeed the International Space Station as early as 2030. The agency said it wants to maintain a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit for science and exploration. Industry responses are due December 8, and NASA expects to select two or more contractors in this phase, with a final decision in April.
The solicitation addresses a major concern: crew transportation. SpaceX plans to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft and has not offered seats to private station operators. NASA recently added $359 million to Boeing's Starliner certification effort, and in the RFP it says it will "furnish" transportation for the first four NASA service missions, likely helping broker deals. It also assigns price estimates for 2030: $325 million for a four-seat crew flight and $300 million for a cargo flight.
Likely bidders include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. Blue Origin won earlier funding but its commitment is questioned; SpaceX appears unlikely to bid at least for now. Phase 1 winners are guaranteed at least $100 million, with later phases worth billions and including development, certification, and purchase of at least four astronaut missions to the private stations.