NASA issues final request for commercial space station proposals

NASA has issued its final Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of commercial space stations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This initiative aims to ensure a continuous United States presence in LEO following the planned retirement of the International Space Station (ISS).

The solicitation utilizes firm-fixed-price, multi-award, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts. These contracts are intended to cover the entire lifecycle of the stations, including design, manufacturing, testing, certification, and operational services for crewed missions. NASA intends to select two or more contractors for an initial development phase, which will lead to competitive task orders for final design and operational certification.

Proposals must be submitted by December 8, 2026, with contract awards expected in the spring of 2027. NASA officials emphasized the need for credible technical execution and private investment to ensure the economic viability of these commercial destinations. The agency also noted the logistical challenge of crew transportation, as companies like SpaceX have indicated plans to retire the Crew Dragon spacecraft around the time of the ISS deorbit, potentially without offering seats directly to private operators.