WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking private sector partners to take over the operations and maintenance of the Astrobee free-flying robotic system aboard the International Space Station (ISS), aiming to expand commercial activity in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
The agency issued an Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) for U.S. companies interested in managing the Astrobee system, which consists of three cube-shaped robots, software, spares, and a docking station. The robots, which navigate the ISS using electric fans, cameras, and sensors, assist astronauts by performing inventory tasks, documenting experiments, and moving cargo. They also serve as research platforms for microgravity robotics experiments.
NASA officials emphasize that transitioning Astrobee operations to the private sector aligns with the agency’s broader strategy to support a sustainable commercial space economy. "This initiative will help advance private sector utilization of this unique capability for the future development of commercial capabilities in space," the agency stated in its announcement.
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The Astrobee system has been operational for five years with minimal maintenance and is expected to remain serviceable beyond 2030. NASA will provide the hardware, spares, documentation, and safety certifications as part of an unfunded Space Act Agreement (SAA), while the selected partner will be responsible for sustaining engineering, software updates, and operational costs.
Commercial transition
NASA’s transition plan follows the agency’s 2022 ISS Transition Report, which envisions moving LEO operations to commercially owned and operated platforms in the future. The selected private entity will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of Astrobee’s functions, outline transition plans, and present a viable strategy for commercial applications.
Proposals are due under the AFPP guidelines, with NASA anticipating a collaboration that will ensure continued access to essential research and technological advancements in space.
The due date for proposal submission is 21 March 21 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Questions should be directed to [email protected]. Additional information is available at https://sam.gov/opp/ad273ca16c3a4068902797f07df543be/view.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
