Posted: March 25, 2025, 5:28 p.m. EDT
This is a modification to the synopsis entitled "Information on Upcoming Private Astronaut Missions" which was posted on March 25, 2025. You are notified that the following changes are made:
The Industry Day Charts are posted.
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NASA has outlined a broad strategy to facilitate the Commercialization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by U.S. companies (see NASA Interim Directive 8600.121: Use of International Space Station for Commercial and Marketing Activities ). As part of that strategy, NASA is enabling private astronaut missions (PAMs) to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA plans to solicit proposals for two short duration flight opportunities for Phase II of Focus Area 4A.
In preparation for future announcements for additional private astronaut mission (PAM) flight opportunities, NASA is making industry aware of a requirement update that has been made since the last PAM solicitation. This update will be documented in SSP 51087 Private Astronaut Mission Authorization, Coordination, and Execution (PACE) Annex 1, which will be provided as part of the solicitation. Update is as follows:
Refined PAM Commander requirements to include applicable experience and currency expectations (Documented in PACE Annex 1, Appendix F)
- The update clarifies the NASA definition of a flown government astronaut.
- The PAM Commander must be familiar with the nominal operational cadence of the United States Operating Segment (USOS).
- PAM Commander candidates must have lived and worked as an Expedition crewmember aboard the ISS as a long duration (30 days or more) crewmember.
- PAM Commander candidates must be no more than 5 years removed from active participation in ISS USOS spaceflight operations (can include ground support roles) when training begins or have NASA-approved rationale or a plan to get familiar with the current USOS spaceflight environment prior to launch.
In addition to the update above, NASA is clarifying expectations for information requested in the solicitation as it pertains to the following:
Mission Integration Partnership Agreements
- NASA is requesting additional detail to ensure the offeror is prepared to enter into all necessary partnerships and agreements needed to execute a PAM.
- Updates include requiring status of and evidence of engagement for partnerships required to support key areas of mission integration.
NASA is evaluating whether the PAM Commander Requirement will be broadened to allow for PAM Commanders who are current or former Canadian Space Agency (CSA), European Space Agency (ESA), or Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) flown astronauts. In anticipation of this potential broadening, as part of the solicitation, NASA is allowing for the optional proposal of an Alternate PAM Commander, who is a current or former CSA, ESA, or JAXA flown astronaut with USOS experience. The Alternate PAM Commander, if proposed, must be proposed in addition to a PAM Commander candidate who is a former US Government astronaut. Should NASA broaden these requirements under PACE Annex 1, the PAM Provider may designate its Alternate Commander as its PAM Commander, provided that such a swap does not negatively impact the PAM Provider's ability to meet the proposed mission integration schedule. Changes to the PAM Commander experience requirements are possible but are not guaranteed.
A draft of proposal content planned to be requested for the International Space Station (ISS) NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Solicitation for PAM 5 and PAM 6, Focus Area 4A, Phase II, is attached.
If you have any technical questions, please contact Elizabeth Kosobud at elizabeth.kosobud@nasa.gov.
An Industry Day to answer questions related to this solicitation is anticipated to be held on March 26, 2025 from 2:30 PM 4:00 PM CST and will be held virtually via a Microsoft (MS) Teams link. The MS Teams link will be issued the day before to those that RSVP. To confirm attendance, please have one company representative RSVP via email with the subject line RSVP PAM 5 and 6 to both Ashley Chaves at ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov and Elizabeth Kosobud at elizabeth.kosobud@nasa.gov no later than March 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM CST. Attendance information should include your company name, name/representative, and point of contact information. Your company representative will be responsible for forwarding the MS Teams link to company participants.
Parties that are interested in being included on the Interested Vendors List for this posting on SAM.gov should use the Add me to Interested Vendors button. If a vendor would like to be removed from the Interested Vendors List, they should use the "Remove Me from Interested Vendors button. A SAM.gov account sign-in is required to view and to sign up for the Interested Vendors List.
Posted: March 17, 2025, 1:51 p.m. EDT
Background
NASA is facilitating the commercialization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by U.S. companies, specifically through enabling private astronaut missions (PAMs) to the International Space Station (ISS).
This solicitation is part of NASA's strategy to offer flight opportunities for PAMs under Phase II of Focus Area 4A, which aims to broaden commercial capabilities in LEO and allow commercial entities to utilize the ISS for various activities.
Work Details
The primary objectives of Focus Area 4A include:
- Successfully executing PAMs to the ISS for public and private research, in-space manufacturing, and commercial activities.
- Expanding commercial market capabilities consistent with NASA’s vision for LEO commercialization.
- Allowing commercial entities to utilize the ISS while adhering to NASA’s policies on commercial activities.
- Broadening access to LEO.
Specific tasks include refining PAM Commander requirements, ensuring candidates have relevant experience aboard the ISS, and providing details on partnerships necessary for mission integration. Proposals must include a comprehensive mission overview, detailing operations, crew training, integration approaches, and financial health. Proposers must demonstrate compliance with NASA's requirements and provide evidence of engagement with necessary partners.
Place of Performance
The contract will be performed primarily at the International Space Station (ISS), with additional activities potentially occurring at various U.S. commercial facilities.
