NASA private-station solicitation outlines transport support for first four missions
PolicyUnverifiedUpdated:
A reported NASA request for proposals lays out how commercial stations could succeed the International Space Station from as early as 2030, including potential agency-provided transport for initial NASA missions.
A 360-page request for proposals released
Ars Technica reports that NASA released a 360-page request for proposals seeking commercial low-Earth-orbit stations. The agency reportedly plans to select two or more contractors in this phase, with Phase 1 winners guaranteed at least $100 million. Responses are due December 8, and NASA says it intends to make a final decision in April.
The article says NASA had previously indicated that prospective station providers might be responsible for obtaining transportation as part of an end-to-end service.
The reported request allows bidders to proceed without proof of a signed transportation contract or even a letter of intent, and says NASA may furnish transportation for the first four NASA service missions to private stations.
Funding accompanied by an approach to early transport
The solicitation reportedly specifies both station-development funding and an approach to crew and cargo transportation, a key operational requirement for private stations intended to host NASA astronauts.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaNASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stationsRead source →