NASA issues final call for commercial space station industry proposals

NASA published its final Request for Proposals on Friday, October 9, 2026, asking American companies to submit plans for the next generation of commercial space stations. NASA News, NASA, and Mirage News all reported that the agency is seeking private industry designs to maintain a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. [1][4][5]

According to NASA News, the initiative aligns with the President's National Space Policy. The uncrewed administrative action moves the agency toward a model where private platforms lead low Earth orbit operations, replacing government owned facilities with commercial services. [1]

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the United States federal government created in 1958. It is responsible for the civil space program as well as research in aeronautics and space. While private missions have previously flown to the International Space Station, no commercial space stations are currently operating in orbit. [6][7]

NASA News reported that the agency aims to ensure American leadership in low Earth orbit through these commercial space station partnerships. The final solicitation allows aerospace companies to compete for contracts to design, build, and deploy future orbital outposts. [1]