Brief
NASA releases RFP to spur private space‑station development
The agency's RFP offers $359 million for Boeing’s Starliner certification and sets 2030 crew‑flight costs at $325 million.
By Felo News Desk · Published
NASA issued a request for proposals on Oct. 9, 2026, inviting industry to build private space stations in low‑Earth orbit. The agency added $359 million to help Boeing certify its Starliner for crewed missions and will "furnish" transportation for the first four NASA service flights to the private stations, according to Ars Technica.
Contractors need not show a signed transport contract or letter of intent. NASA listed explicit price caps: a four‑seat crew flight in 2030 is estimated at $325 million and a cargo flight at $300 million.
Early reactions came from Voyager’s Starlab CEO Marshall Smith, who called the RFP an "important milestone," and an Axiom Space spokesperson, who said the team is "energized for the next steps" in reviewing the proposal.
Key facts
- NASA released an RFP for private space‑station operators on Oct. 9, 2026. (arstechnica.com)
- The agency added $359 million to support Boeing’s Starliner certification. (arstechnica.com)
- NASA estimates a 2030 four‑seat crew flight will cost $325 million. (arstechnica.com)
- A cargo flight is estimated at $300 million for the same year. (arstechnica.com)
- Voyager’s Starlab CEO Marshall Smith praised the RFP as an important milestone. (arstechnica.com)
Sources
- [1] arstechnica.com — originally reported as “NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations”
