NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center has launched an industry solicitation for the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination Contract, seeking feedback from potential contractors on developing new LEO space destinations and supporting systems.
As part of its efforts to prepare for the eventual retirement of the International Space Station (ISS), NASA aims to transition to commercially-owed LEO space destinations. The agency’s multi-phase approach will drive this transition, with Phase 1 focusing on accelerating commercial orbital platform development.
Several companies have already been awarded Space Act Agreements and Commercial Destinations Free Flyer agreements, including Blue Origin, Starlab Space, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SpaceX, and others. These partnerships are designed to support NASA’s efforts to ensure a continuous US presence in space.
Phase 2 is currently under development, with NASA refining requirements for CLD capabilities that will support astronauts and spaceflight participants in LEO. Interested vendors have until April 23 to submit their responses.
Source: https://executivegov.com/2025/04/nasa-rfi-commercial-leo-space-destinations-iss-retirement