NASA is calling on American aerospace companies to help shape the next stage of its commercial space station program, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to privately operated platforms in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Axiom Space is one of several companies planning commercial space stations. Credit: Axiom Space
On Friday, the agency released a draft Phase 2 Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP), inviting feedback from industry partners by 1 p.m. EDT on Sept. 12. To guide participants, NASA will hold an informational briefing on Monday, Sept. 8, offering an overview of the draft and the agency’s expectations.
The initiative comes under the direction of acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who emphasized the importance of continuity as the ISS nears its planned retirement in 2030.
“NASA has led in low Earth orbit for 25 years and counting. Now, as we prepare for deorbiting the International Space Station, we’re calling on our commercial space partners to maintain this historic human presence,” Duffy said. “The American space industry is booming. Insight from these innovative companies will be invaluable as we chart the next phase of commercial space stations.”
Phase 2 will see NASA award multiple funded Space Act Agreements through open competition, supporting industry efforts to design and demonstrate new commercial outposts. Agreements will include milestones leading up to critical design reviews and a crewed demonstration mission lasting at least 30 days with four astronauts. Contracts are expected to run for up to five years.
Angela Hart, manager of NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at Johnson Space Center, highlighted the momentum already built in Phase 1.
“The work done under our Phase 1 contracts and agreements has put us in a prime position to be successful for this next funded phase,” Hart said. “By leveraging these agreements, we provide additional flexibility to our commercial partners to define the best path forward to provide NASA a safe and affordable crewed demonstration.”
The agency’s strategy follows a phased approach. After Phase 2, NASA plans to move into Phase 3, awarding Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts for purchasing station services. This final phase will include formal design certification to ensure safety standards are met.
By advancing commercial platforms in LEO, NASA aims to secure affordable and reliable access to orbit while enabling the agency to focus on deep space exploration. The ISS’s successor stations will also serve as training grounds and technology testbeds for future Artemis missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
NASA stressed that its commitment to working closely with the private sector will not only preserve America’s leadership in LEO but also fuel innovation and growth across the nation’s space industry.
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