Transitioning to a Commercial Future in Low Earth Orbit
NASA has taken a significant step toward the future of space exploration by seeking input from American companies on the next phase of its commercial space stations strategy. Announced on September 5, the agency released a draft Phase 2 Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP), aiming to ensure a seamless transition of activities in low Earth orbit (LEO) from the International Space Station (ISS). With the ISS expected to retire by 2030, NASA is focused on fostering a robust commercial presence in space to maintain research and operational capabilities.
The draft AFPP is part of NASA's broader Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program, which seeks to shift human spaceflight activities from government-led operations to private sector involvement. The agency is requesting feedback from industry partners by 1 p.m. EDT on September 12, emphasizing the urgency and importance of collaboration. An informational industry briefing was held on September 8 to provide a summary of expectations and documents related to this phase.
Strategic Goals and Financial Commitment
NASA's revised approach in Phase 2 includes substantial financial support, with plans to invest up to $1.5 billion to assist at least two companies in demonstrating crew-tended space stations. This funding is intended to support the design, development, and demonstration of these commercial platforms, ensuring mission continuity and affordability. The agency, under the direction of acting Administrator Sean Duffy, has reassessed its acquisition strategy to minimize the risk of a gap in crew-capable platforms in LEO.
The strategic pivot comes as NASA aims to maintain a 'continuous heartbeat' in low Earth orbit, a concept that underscores the importance of an uninterrupted U.S. presence in space. By partnering with private companies, NASA hopes to leverage innovation and reduce costs compared to the current ISS operating expenses, which are estimated at $1.5-2 billion annually for the U.S. alone. This transition is seen as critical to sustaining microgravity research and other activities that have been conducted in LEO for over 25 years.
Industry Collaboration and Long-Term Vision
Collaboration with industry is at the heart of NASA's Phase 2 strategy, as evidenced by the agency's call for feedback through multiple funded Space Act Agreements (SSA). Companies like Vast and Axiom Space have already expressed readiness to contribute, with Vast stating on social media platforms that it is prepared to deliver a lower-cost commercial option for America and its international partners. Similarly, Axiom Space has highlighted NASA's supportive stance on addressing deorbit concerns while preserving critical ISS capabilities.
Looking ahead, NASA's vision includes not just one, but potentially several commercial space stations where research and manufacturing can continue post-ISS. Projects like Starlab, an agency-supported commercial station, have already completed key development milestones, signaling progress toward this goal. As the agency moves forward, the input gathered from industry partners in this phase will be pivotal in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for human spaceflight in low Earth orbit.