NASA Seeks Industry Inplaced on Subsequent Phase of Commercial Space Stations

NASA is requesting suggestions from American firms on the subsequent section of its business house stations technique to make sure a seamless transition of actions in low Earth orbit from the International Space Station.

The company launched a draft Phase 2 Announcement for Partnership Proposals (AFPP) Friday, asking for suggestions from business companions by 1 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 12. NASA will maintain an informational business briefing on Monday, Sept. 8, to offer a top-level abstract of the paperwork and expectations.

Under the route of appearing NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, the company reassessed the business house stations acquisition technique to make sure mission continuity, affordability, and nationwide alignment, and to cut back the potential for a spot of a crew-capable platform in low Earth orbit.

“NASA has led in low Earth orbit for 25 years and counting. Now, as we prepare for deorbiting the International Space Station in 2030, we’re calling on our commercial space partners to maintain this historic human presence,” Duffy mentioned. “The American space industry is booming. Insight from these innovative companies will be invaluable as we work to chart the next phase of commercial space stations.”

In Phase 2, NASA intends to assist business’s design and demonstration of business stations by a number of funded Space Act Agreements, chosen by a full and open competitors.

“NASA is committed to continuing our partnership with industry to ensure a continuity in low Earth orbit,” mentioned Angela Hart, supervisor, Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “The work done under our Phase 1 contracts and agreements have put us in a prime position to be successful for this next funded Space Act Agreement phase. By leveraging these agreements, we provide additional flexibility to our commercial partners to define the best path forward to provide NASA a safe and affordable crewed demonstration.”

The Phase 2 agreements are anticipated to incorporate funded milestones resulting in important design evaluation readiness and an in-space crewed demonstration of 4 crew members for no less than 30 days. Agreements are anticipated to incorporate as much as a five-year interval of efficiency.

The company’s phased method will culminate in a follow-on Phase 3 utilizing Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contract(s) to buy station companies by a full and open competitors. This remaining section may also present formal design acceptance and certification, making certain the business stations meet NASA’s security necessities.

NASA stays dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration throughout the American house business.

The company’s business technique for low Earth orbit will present the federal government with dependable and protected companies at a decrease price, enabling the company to give attention to the subsequent step in humanity’s exploration of the photo voltaic system whereas additionally persevering with to make use of low Earth orbit as an excellent setting for coaching and a proving floor for Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars.

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