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), soliciting proposals for two new private astronaut missions (PAMs) scheduled for 2026-2027.
These private missions are crucial for developing the low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy, allowing companies to gain experience and prepare for future privately-built space stations that will replace the ISS.
Proposals for the new missions must be brokered by a U.S. entity, use U.S. spacecraft, and adhere to specific limits like a maximum of four crew members and a 14-day stay on the ISS, with Axiom Space already a leading participant in such missions.

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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.