NASA has invited U.S. companies to submit proposals for commercial space stations intended to support human spaceflight and research in low Earth orbit, according to an agency announcement dated Oct. 9, 2026.
The solicitation covers the design, construction, testing, certification and operation of stations, along with transportation services. NASA says the goal is to maintain a U.S. presence in low Earth orbit after the International Space Station retires, while making facilities available for research, technology development and astronaut training.
Proposals are due Dec. 8, and NASA expects to make contract awards in spring 2027. The agency plans to use multi-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with firm-fixed prices. NASA says it expects to select at least two companies for early development, then compete a later task order for final design, testing, evaluation, certification and services.
The final request follows NASA’s information-gathering and industry engagement earlier in 2026. The agency said it issued requests for information in March, released a draft solicitation in July, and held an industry day and individual meetings to discuss its proposed acquisition approach.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is seeking proposals with credible plans and technical capability, while emphasizing that commercial destinations will need viable economics and customers beyond NASA. The agency’s announcement describes the solicitation and its plans; it does not identify bidders or establish which companies will receive contracts.
