THE CRUNCH
NASA has released a long-awaited request for proposals asking the US commercial space industry to develop private space stations that could succeed the International Space Station in low-Earth orbit as early as 2030. The 360-page document, issued on Friday, includes a cover letter stating the agency's aim to "ensure NASA has a sustained human presence in LEO for crew members to perform science and exploration."
The solicitation finally answers a question several companies have been asking for years: exactly what capabilities NASA is seeking from the stations it may help fund. Those firms, which have been designing and developing orbital destinations while waiting for this detail, can now tailor their bids accordingly.
NASA plans to select "two or more" contractors in this phase of the competition, with industry responses due back by 8 December and a final decision intended for April.