NASA chooses three companies to design private space stations

NASA continues to push for commercialize low earth orbit, with the announcement of three companies that have been chosen to design private space stations. As the International Space Station ages and nears retirement, NASA is providing funding for private companies to plan potential replacements that could take over its research functions.

“Building on our successful initiatives to partner with private industry to deliver cargo, and now our NASA astronauts, to the International Space Station, NASA is once again leading the way to commercialize space activities.” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “With commercial companies now providing transportation to low Earth orbit, we are partnering with American companies to develop space destinations where people can visit, live and work, allowing NASA to continue to forge a path in space in benefit of humanity. while promoting commercial activity in space “.

in a recently published reportNASA says the ISS is likely to continue operating through 2030, but sees a potential gap between the end of its useful life and the development of a new international space station. That is why it plans for one or more of these commercial space stations to be operational by 2028, allowing continued human presence in low Earth orbit.

The three companies chosen are Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, the well-known Northrop Grumman aerospace company, and a smaller company called Nanoracks that specializes in the reuse of space debris. A total of $ 415.6 million has been awarded to fund the design project. Over the next four years, these companies will develop their plans for space stations in low Earth orbit that could be used by both government agencies and the private sector.

NASA’s plan is to encourage private companies to develop space stations and then purchase services whereby their astronauts can stay and work at the stations. This would be similar to the current system of transporting astronauts and cargo between Earth and the ISS using rockets from private companies, such as the SpaceX Crew Dragon or the Northrop Grumman Cygnus. POT argues that “This strategy will provide the services the government needs at a lower cost, allowing NASA to focus on its Artemis missions to the moon and Mars while continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and testing ground.”

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