NASA has announced a new call for proposals for private astronaut missions (PAMs) to the International Space Station (ISS), opening up the opportunity for someone other than a former NASA astronaut to command these missions. The PAMs are part of a broader effort to commercialize low Earth orbit and eventually replace the ISS with commercial stations.
The solicitation requires a commander who has served as a long-duration ISS crewmember, but also allows companies to propose an alternate commander from organizations such as the Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, or Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. This could provide opportunities for former astronauts already working with commercial spaceflight companies to command PAMs.
Axiom Space, which has won all four previous PAM awards, is expected to face stiff competition in this round, but may still have an advantage due to its prior experience and partnerships with government agencies. The next two PAM missions are scheduled for no earlier than May 2026 and mid-2027, respectively.
The new solicitation aims to help industry gain the experience needed to train and manage crews, conduct research, and develop future destinations in low Earth orbit. Private astronaut missions provide companies with hands-on opportunities to refine their capabilities and build partnerships that will shape the future of space exploration.
Source: https://spacenews.com/nasa-seeks-proposals-for-two-private-astronaut-missions-to-iss