NASA Seeks Proposals for More Private Astronaut Missions

Space agency so far has contracted Axiom Space for five private astronaut missions to the International Space Station.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, April 03, 2025 at 04:35 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

NASA is offering new private astronaut missions to the International Space Station ahead of the laboratory’s planned retirement at the end of the decade. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

NASA is expanding commercial access to the International Space Station (ISS) by inviting proposals for two new private astronaut missions (PAMs) targeted for 2026-2027, building on Axiom Space's previous successful flights.
This initiative is a key part of NASA's strategy to foster a commercial low-Earth orbit economy, enabling private companies to gain operational experience, conduct research, and develop future private space stations to replace the ISS.
The new missions have specific requirements, including being brokered by a U.S. entity, using U.S. transportation, a maximum of four crew, and a 14-day duration, without allowing spacewalks or robotic system use.

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As NASA contractor Axiom Space gears up for its fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in as many years, the space agency is opening more opportunities for commercial firms to fly to the orbital laboratory.

NASA on Wednesday said it is seeking proposals for two new private astronaut missions to the space station, targeted to launch between May 2026 and mid-2027. These would be the fifth and sixth such flights coordinated by NASA following Axiom’s three completed missions and Ax-4, scheduled to launch no earlier than May. Applicants have until May 30 to submit their proposals.