NASA is launching a new initiative to partner with private companies to send astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026 and 2027. The agency aims to expand access to space and create a thriving commercial economy in low Earth orbit.
The first three private astronaut missions to the ISS were completed by Axiom Space in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Two more missions are expected to follow, with each docked at the space station for up to 14 days. The specific dates depend on spacecraft traffic and in-orbit activity planning.
Private companies must work with a U.S. entity and use NASA-approved transportation spacecraft to participate in these missions. Proposals are due by May 30, 2025, and can be found on NASA’s procurement website.
The ISS has been a crucial testbed for long-duration spaceflight and has advanced scientific knowledge and demonstrated new technologies. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations, NASA is also preparing for future human exploration of Mars as part of its Artemis campaign.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/commercial-space/leo-economy/nasa-continues-support-for-private-astronaut-missions-to-space-station