LEO commercialization
NASA says demand for private ISS missions exceeds flight opportunities
NASA says it’s seeing strong interest from companies proposing private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, with the demand for such missions exceeding the agency’s ability to accommodate them.
NASA increases prices for ISS private astronaut missions
NASA has increased the prices it will charge for future private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, saying the new prices reflect the true costs of supporting those missions.
Sierra Nevada Corporation to spin off space division
Sierra Nevada Corp. will spin off its space division into a separate company, a move reflecting the “historic growth” it foresees for that business in the next several years.
NASA to offer funding for initial studies of commercial space stations
NASA is shifting direction in its effort to support development of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit, with plans to issue a series of awards for initial studies before later purchasing services.
NASA hikes prices for commercial ISS users
NASA has sharply increased the prices it charges commercial users of the International Space Station for cargo and other resources, a move that has left some companies confused and frustrated.
Voyager Space Holdings to acquire majority stake in Nanoracks
Voyager Space Holdings, a company that has acquired several space ventures, is taking a majority stake in commercial space station company Nanoracks, the two firms announced Dec. 23.
First Dream Chaser mission slips to 2022
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) says the first flight of its Dream Chaser spacecraft to the International Space Station is now planned for 2022 after development delays caused by the pandemic.
Axiom Space finalizing first commercial ISS mission
Axiom Space hopes to soon finalize its first commercial mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for late 2021, as it continues development of a commercial module for the station.
NASA working with cosmetics company on space station commercialization
NASA is taking the next small step in its efforts to promote commercialization of low Earth orbit by flying a cosmetics company’s product to the International Space Station, a project that has prompted questions from one senator.
Blue Origin considers entering commercial space station business
Commercial spaceflight company Blue Origin is considering development of commercial space stations, with NASA as a potential early customer.
Reality show latest sign of growing commercial interest in ISS
As a new venture proposes to send the winner of a reality show to the International Space Station, some investors see a stronger business case for a future commercial space station.
Nanoracks finalizing space station airlock and new funding round
As Nanoracks puts the finishing touches on an airlock that will be installed on the International Space Station later this year, the company is finalizing a new funding round.
Gerstenmaier warns against ending space station program prematurely
The former head of NASA’s human spaceflight program, now working as a consultant to SpaceX, said he welcomes greater commercial activity in low Earth orbit but cautioned against ending the International Space Station prematurely.
NASA puts solicitation for commercial free-flyer station on hold
While NASA seeks to eventually transition from the International Space Station to commercial stations in low Earth orbit, the agency is putting on hold a solicitation to support development of such a free-flying platform.
White House memo adds low Earth orbit research as R&D priority
A White House document has included low Earth orbit research “on new platforms” as a research and development priority for the administration as NASA struggles to win congressional support for its LEO commercialization initiative.
