NASA Publishes Draft RFP for Commercial Space Station Services

NASA issued a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting U.S. companies to comment on the next phase of its Commercial Low‑Earth‑Orbit Destination (CLD) program. The agency seeks feedback on how to transition activities from the International Space Station, slated for retirement in 2030, to privately operated commercial stations.

The draft RFP outlines a multi‑award, indefinite‑delivery/indefinite‑quantity contract structure. NASA plans to select two or more contractors for early development, then award a competitive task order for final design, testing, certification and services. Industry comments are due by July 27, with an informational briefing scheduled for July 9 at Johnson Space Center. The agency aims to maintain a continuous U.S. human presence in low‑Earth orbit while freeing resources for deeper‑space missions such as Artemis and future Mars exploration.