NASA Wants to Retire the 20-Year-Old ISS in 2028, Issues Final Request For Proposals for Private Space Station

NASA issued a final request for bids for new space stations on Monday. The deadline for these proposals is August 26.

The request proposal, posted on General Services Administration's website, is in line with intentions to assist in funding a new generation of private space stations to ensure that replacements are ready when the International Space Station closes in as little as seven years.

Because its oldest portions are built for a 30-year lifespan, NASA wants to retire the 20-year-old ISS in 2028. However, the agency may request an extension until 2030. All such decisions must be accepted by space station partners Russia, Japan, and the European Space Agency.

Two to Four Private Companies Needed For New Stations

According to Angela Hart, manager of the ESA's commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO) program, the space agency intends to fund at least two to four private enterprise attempts to create new orbiting habitats.

Hart said NASA intends to spend up to $400 million over the next five years on research and development for such proposed space stations. She is optimistic that the agency's budget proposals for that amount of money will be granted.

"We want to support as many folks in the commercial sector that are interested in commercialization of LEO as possible," Hart said per UPI.

NASA's goal is to focus on deep space exploration, specifically the moon and Mars, therefore plans to privatize the space station's function in the future are part of that ambition.

Private Space Business' Role

The space agency has made a case for expanded commercial use of orbiting laboratories. Businesses like 3D printing and pharmaceutical production might benefit from microgravity.

Axiom Space, a Houston-based company, believes the market for space tourism in orbit is developing, in addition to the scientific benefits. Axiom plans to send three successful businessmen to the International Space Station in January.

Several of the greatest names in the space business, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, attended a NASA meeting in March to measure interest from the private sector.

Without providing direct funds, NASA plans to help commercial efforts to build space stations by providing expertise and the potential for future NASA business.

Sierra Space, a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, wants to build a new space station regardless of NASA backing, according to John Roth, Sierra Space's vice president of business development.

He explained that he feels NASA should proceed more quickly; currently, firms must submit a preliminary design by 2025.

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