Private Astronauts Wanted: NASA Is Opening The ISS for Business Again

NASA’s orbital laboratory, the International Space Station, has hosted many astronauts over its tenure. While ISS is reaching the end of its lifespan, NASA isn’t slowing down its human presence onboard. As such, the US space agency is calling to industry for two private astronaut missions bound for the ISS. Dates are currently unconfirmed. However, NASA did say they’re targeting a 2026 and 2027 launch. 

Dana Weigel, program manager for the International Space Station, said: “We are in an incredible time for human spaceflight, with more opportunities to access space and grow a thriving commercial economy in low Earth orbit.” 

She added: “NASA remains committed to supporting this expansion by leveraging our decades of expertise to help industry gain the experience needed to train and manage crews, conduct research, and develop future destinations. Private astronaut missions are a key part of this effort, providing companies with hands-on opportunities to refine their capabilities and build partnerships that will shape the future of low Earth orbit.” 

NASA Next Commercial Astronaut Mission To ISS

In Early April 2025, NASA requested two proposals for two separate private astronaut missions. Their goal: to increase and “support a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit.” In addition, NASA outlined that each private mission would further accelerate and develop key capabilities onboard. What these capabilities are for these two missions in particular is unclear. 

According to NASA, “private astronaut missions are an important component of NASA’s strategy for enabling a robust and competitive commercial economy in low Earth orbit.” This sentiment gave rise to the first proposal request in 2019 for a commercially led mission to the ISS. Once onboard, NASA said the astronauts would “conduct a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.”  

2026 & 2027 Private Missions To ISS

NASA has already formulated a plan for once the selected commercial partner is given the green light. The spacecraft will be docked for upwards of 14 days. Dates for the initial docking will depend on orbital traffic, activities, and if there are any foreseeable constraints, NASA said. The length of the mission hasn’t been officially released. To obtain mission credentials, NASA said both projects would be “brokered by a US entity” and must utilise a US spacecraft.  

Continuing Interest In Orbital Space Stations

Another aspect of NASA’s desire to continue privatised ISS missions is to demonstrate the ongoing demand for ISS-type space stations. ISS is currently on the chopping block, with the famed space station set to be deorbited by 2031. 

The first private mission to ISS was completed by Axiom Space in 2022. Axiom then followed up with another two missions in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Axiom’s fourth mission is set to launch in May 2025. With a further two missions planned – and more on the horizon – NASA are attempting to showcase the clear demand for these orbital laboratories. 

Should demand continue, ISS could pave the way for the next LEO space station, with options including Starlab. NASA outlined: “As the space station nears the end of operational life, NASA plans to transition to a new model featuring commercial space stations to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure a sustained access to low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity.”