NASA has released its final Request for Proposals seeking industry plans for the next generation of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit.
The agency said the effort is intended to help maintain a sustained American presence in low Earth orbit after the International Space Station retires. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said future stations could provide places for research, technology development, crew training and preparation for Moon and Mars missions.
NASA has been gathering input from private industry as it develops its approach. The agency issued two Requests for Information in March covering low Earth orbit destinations and transportation, then published a draft Request for Proposals in July. That process also included an industry day and one-on-one meetings with interested companies.
The final solicitation follows NASA's Ignition event earlier this year and represents the agency's next step toward commercial stations leading operations in low Earth orbit, according to NASA.
