NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations
Summary
NASA has asked private companies to develop new space stations to replace the International Space Station by 2030. NASA plans to support these companies financially and provide transportation for astronauts to the stations during the early years.Key Facts
- NASA released a detailed request for proposals asking companies to build private space stations for low-Earth orbit.
- The new stations are planned to take over from the International Space Station around 2030.
- NASA wants to maintain a human presence in low-Earth orbit for research and space exploration.
- The agency plans to select two or more companies by April after receiving proposals by December 8.
- Winners of the first contract phase will get at least $100 million, with billions more in later phases.
- NASA will help provide transportation for astronauts to these private stations initially, including financing Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft development.
- NASA estimates the cost for transporting four crew members is $325 million per flight in 2030.
- Major companies likely to bid include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space, while SpaceX may not participate currently.
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