NASA advances commercial space-station plan, with bids due in December
NASA has released a request for proposals for private stations intended to replace the International Space Station, which is due to be deorbited in 2030 or 2032. The agency plans to select at least two contractors and says it will provide or help arrange transport for the first four astronaut missions, easing a requirement that had concerned potential bidders.
Bottom line — NASA plans to select at least two contractors in April, with Phase 1 winners guaranteed at least $92 million (€100 million).
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NASA estimates a four-seat crew flight in 2030 will cost $299 million (€325 million), and a cargo flight $276 million (€300 million).
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Companies have until 8 December to respond; NASA intends to make its selection in April.
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NASA says Phase 2, starting next year, will fund station development and certification; Phase 3 will include at least four astronaut missions.
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Ars Technica identifies Axiom Space, Voyager Space and Vast Space as likely bidders. Blue Origin won an earlier funding round, while SpaceX appears unlikely to bid for now.
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NASA’s offer to furnish transport for the initial missions follows concerns that SpaceX plans to retire Crew Dragon around the ISS’s end and has not offered seats to private station operators.