NASA Issues Draft RFP for 2 ISS Replacements After Industry Proves LEO Readiness

3 articles · Updated · Payload · Jul 7

NASA on Monday released a draft request for proposals for stand-alone International Space Station replacements, reviving its original commercial-station plan for low Earth orbit.
At least 2 companies are expected to win early development contracts, with NASA planning a later competition for one or more final design awards.
This shift follows NASA’s review that found industry had shown enough capital and commercial demand to support human habitation in LEO, with the agency expecting NASA to be one customer among many.
Industry feedback on the draft RFP is due by the end of July, and NASA will hold group and one-on-one talks over the next two weeks while publishing interested bidders to encourage teaming.

Sources

Payload3d ago

NASA Releases Draft RFP for Stand-Alone ISS Replacements After Industry Proves LEO Readiness

Aviation Week3d ago

NASA Releases Draft RFP for Commercial LEO Space Station to Succeed ISS

NASA Watch4d ago

NASA Seeks Industry Input for Commercial Space Station Program Phase Two

With NASA's budget likely funding only one company, who will win the high-stakes race to build America's next space station?

As China's Tiangong station orbits overhead, can private industry launch a US replacement before the ISS is deorbited?

Can NASA's new plan prevent the costly delays and technical problems that plagued its last major commercial space program?

NASA’s Commercial LEO Destination Program: Ensuring Continuous U.S. Human Presence in Orbit After the ISS

Overview

NASA is making a major shift by moving from directly operating the International Space Station (ISS) to supporting commercial space stations in low Earth orbit. This transition is driven by the aging ISS and its upcoming retirement, prompting NASA to launch the Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program. The CLD program aims to build a strong commercial LEO economy, reduce NASA’s operational costs, and ensure the future of human spaceflight beyond the 2030s. With the release of a draft Request for Proposals in July 2026, NASA is beginning a crucial phase to select private companies that will shape the next era of space exploration.

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