NASA seeks industry input on future commercial space stations to replace ISS
HOUSTON - As the International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its operational life, NASA is seeking input from private industry on future commercial space stations that could support U.S. astronauts and maintain an American presence in low Earth orbit (LEO).
NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston announced that it is gathering information from potential industry partners for its upcoming Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination Contract (CLDC). The contract is part of the agency’s strategy to transition from the ISS to commercially owned and operated platforms in space by the end of the decade.
NASA’s Commercial LEO Development Program (CLDP) is leading the effort, which supports development of privately operated orbital destinations and related systems. These systems could include space stations, crew vehicles, launch vehicles, and ground systems needed for long-term human operations in space.
Related: The International Space Station connected via the SpaceDataHighway
Commercial agreements
NASA has already awarded several agreements under Phase 1 of the program to support early design and development. Companies holding Commercial Destinations Free Flyer (CDFF) agreements include Blue Origin and Starlab Space. Additional agreements under the Collaborations to Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) program were awarded to Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, SpaceX, Special Aerospace Service (SAS), Think Orbital, and Vast Space. NASA also awarded a separate Commercial Destination ISS (CDISS) contract to Axiom Space.
As it prepares for Phase 2 of the effort, NASA intends to release a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) in summer 2025. The agency plans to procure end-to-end commercial LEO services through a full and open competition under NAICS code 336414 for Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing.
Participation in Phase 1 is not required to compete for the upcoming contract. NASA expects to purchase services from a U.S.-based provider in line with the 2020 National Space Policy, which emphasizes promoting a strong domestic commercial space industry.
Additional details, including technical information and a preliminary schedule, are available on NASA’s CLDC acquisition website at https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/jsc-procurement/cldc/. NASA stresses that the website’s documents are for information and planning purposes only and are intended to promote competition and gather industry feedback. Responses are due by 6 p.m. EDT on 23 April 2025. Interested parties can direct questions or submit feedback to Rogelio Curiel at [email protected].
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.
