NASA invites industry to pitch designs for next-generation commercial space stations
NASA has issued its final Request for Proposals, asking companies to submit plans for commercial low-Earth-orbit stations to succeed the ISS.
NASA announced the closing stage of its search for private partners to develop commercial space stations that will replace the International Space Station. The final Request for Proposals, issued Friday, details expectations for companies to create, test, certify and run low-Earth-orbit destinations that can host research, technology development, crew training and lunar-mission preparation. Administrator Jared Isaacman linked the program to the President’s National Space Policy and emphasized the need for economically viable, technically robust solutions.
After earlier information requests and a draft solicitation earlier this year, the agency now seeks credible, investment-ready plans. Submissions are due Dec. 8, and NASA plans to award firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contracts in spring 2027, potentially to multiple firms.
Why it matters
The initiative will shape the future of U.S. space operations and create new commercial opportunities in orbit.
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