NASA Announces $34.1 Billion Contract for a New Space Station
NASA has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) to build one or more new space stations following the retirement of the International Space Station after 2030. The agency plans to award contracts worth up to $34.1 billion over an eight-year base period, with potential extensions through April 2042. Four private companies—Axiom Space, Blue Origin-led Orbital Reef, Starlab (a consortium), and Vast—are competing for the contract. The winning company or companies will receive funding in three phases: initial design work starting at $100 million minimum, followed by development and certification, then full construction. NASA expects to fund four crewed missions and eight supply shipments annually during the first four years of operation, with each mission valued around $325–$300 million respectively. The contract includes potential for additional revenue through pre-priced services and special studies. The total ceiling value is set at $34.1 billion, which could be split among multiple winners or awarded entirely to one if only a single station is built.
Topics: government contracts NASA private space companies RFP space station