AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from Ars Technica, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.

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NASA released a request for proposals on Friday asking US commercial companies to design private space stations that could replace the International Space Station by 2030. The goal is to maintain a sustained human presence in low-Earth orbit for science and exploration. Industry responses are due by December 8, with NASA planning to select two or more contractors before making a final decision in April.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that commercial stations could provide research capabilities while allowing the agency to focus resources on missions to the Moon and Mars. While Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space are expected to bid, Blue Origin’s commitment remains uncertain, and SpaceX is unlikely to participate at this stage. Phase 2 of the competition next year will include development funding, and Phase 3 involves purchasing at least four crewed missions.

To address transportation concerns, NASA is offering to "furnish" crew and cargo flights for its first four service missions to these stations. Previously, NASA hoped contractors would provide end-to-end services, but SpaceX plans to retire the Crew Dragon soon, leaving Boeing as the primary provider. For 2030, NASA estimates a four-seat crew flight will cost $325 million and a cargo flight $300 million.

Several companies welcomed the new request. Marshall Smith of Voyager’s Starlab project called it an important milestone and noted that Starlab has a strong business plan. Axiom Space expressed confidence in its ability to meet NASA’s objectives, while Vast Space indicated readiness to build a multi-module station capable of supporting continuous human presence.