NASA Seeks Proposals for Private Astronaut Missions to ISS

NASA Solicits Bids for Additional Private ISS Missions

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on Friday a request for proposals from commercial entities for two further privately funded and operated crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). The anticipated timeframe for the initial mission is between the fall of 2022 and the middle of 2023.

A subsequent mission is planned to occur sometime between mid-2023 and the conclusion of that year.

A Shift Towards Commercial Space Travel

These private astronaut missions represent a recent development within NASA’s broader Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development program. Historically, access to the ISS was largely limited to astronauts representing national space agencies.

This initiative signifies a move towards greater commercial participation in space exploration.

Axiom Space's Pioneering Mission

Axiom Space, a startup company headquartered in Houston, Texas, was previously selected to conduct the inaugural private astronaut mission. This mission is scheduled for January 2022.

The Axiom mission will involve four private astronauts undertaking an eight-day stay aboard the ISS, launching from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA has allocated $1.69 million to Axiom Space to cover mission-related services.

Proposal Details and Requirements

Each of the newly proposed missions can have a duration of up to 14 days. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 9th.

NASA has stipulated that all missions must be arranged through a U.S.-based company and utilize spacecraft approved for use within the United States. Axiom Space’s mission, for example, will employ a SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle.

Fostering a Commercial Space Economy

NASA stated that facilitating private human spaceflight missions of this nature could contribute to the creation of a thriving LEO economy.

In this envisioned economy, NASA would function as one client among many, with the private sector taking the lead in innovation and development.

Decreased Costs and a Growing Space Industry

Significant reductions in launch costs – largely attributable to advancements in rocket reusability pioneered by SpaceX – coupled with the emergence of numerous “new space” companies over the past five years, have resulted in an unprecedented level of activity in space.

LEO as a Testbed for Future Missions

Furthermore, NASA indicated that LEO could serve as a valuable “training and proving ground” for the Artemis program. This program aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually facilitate missions to destinations further into our solar system.