NASA is preparing for a significant change as the International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its operational life later this decade. The agency is looking to private industry to keep a U.S. presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) and support ongoing scientific research and exploration. Through the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program (CLDP), NASA is fostering the growth of new space destinations managed by commercial entities. This multi-phase effort includes end-to-end services like stations, visiting vehicles, and ground support systems.
Several companies are already making strides under Phase 1 agreements. Blue Origin and Starlab Space are working on free-flying platforms, while Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, SpaceX, Special Aerospace Service, Think Orbital, and Vast Space are developing broader capabilities. Axiom Space continues its role through a contract tied to ISS development. In 2025, progress has been notable. Vast completed key milestones for its Haven-1 station, including a solar array test and pressure testing for a dome-shaped window, with a launch targeted for later this year. Think Orbital validated in-space welding and plans a third mission in late 2025 to test robotic arms and X-ray inspection. Sierra Space advanced safety testing for its structures, and SpaceX conducted flight tests of its Starship, showcasing reusability. These efforts set the stage for Phase 2, where NASA will seek detailed proposals for operational services, with a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) expected this summer under a manufacturing industry code.
The CLDP lays out a structured timeline for these new LEO destinations. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is set for December 2029, followed by Continuous Crew (CC) in December 2030, and Full Operating Capability (FOC) by December 2031. An additional FOC+ phase will address future needs. These steps reflect a steady buildup of infrastructure and capacity.
Each phase has defined requirements. IOC will accommodate two NASA crew members for at least one month, offering basic lab tools and storage. The CC phase will support four crew members, including two NASA astronauts, for a minimum of six months, with enhanced research equipment. FOC will maintain this setup while expanding to include human, biological, and physical sciences research. FOC+ will further adapt the station for long-term microgravity studies. Companies can exceed minimum requirements and accelerate timelines if their technology supports it, though external payloads remain optional, with NASA open to purchasing them if proposed.
The stations will feature a range of equipment, measured in Middeck Locker Equivalents (MLEs) based on ISS standards. IOC will provide 10 MLEs for human research tools like a small centrifuge and ultrasound. This increases to 26 MLEs at CC with additions like a glovebox, and 55 MLEs at FOC to cover broader sciences, excluding an advanced tier. FOC+ will offer 66 MLEs to include all planned capabilities. NASA will supply extra lockers and deployable payloads, starting with two lockers and two deployables at IOC, scaling to 48 lockers and eight deployables at FOC+. Storage, measured in Cargo Transfer Bag Equivalents (CTBE), will grow from 10 at IOC to 82 at FOC+.
Research will expand accordingly. NASA anticipates 7 to 20 investigations at IOC, 20 to 40 at CC, 80 to 100 at FOC, and about 100 at FOC+. These studies will leverage microgravity for insights into disease treatments, 3D printing, and water purification, building on ISS achievements. The strategy emphasizes a sustainable LEO economy, with NASA as one of many potential customers.
NASA plans to release a draft RFP in summer 2025, inviting U.S. companies to compete for the Phase 2 contract under an open process with no prior participation required.
NASA’s transition to commercial LEO destinations signals a new phase in space exploration. With the ISS set to retire, partnerships with companies like Vast, Think Orbital, and SpaceX are advancing stations like Haven-1 and Starship. The phased rollout from 2029 to beyond 2031 will enhance crew support, research, and equipment. As 2025 progresses, the upcoming RFP and industry briefings will shape this evolving program.
