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.

Virgin Galactic to work with NASA on private orbital spaceflight experiences

Virgin Galactic announced June 22 it has signed an agreement with NASA to support development of a program to train and potentially procure rides for private individuals seeking to fly to the International Space Station.

NASA adjusting its strategy for LEO commercialization

Less than a year after rolling out a broad strategy for supporting commercial activity in low Earth orbit, NASA is working to revise that strategy while restructuring its management of commercial initiatives.

Bigelow Aerospace sets sights on free-flying station after passing on ISS commercial module

The founder of Bigelow Aerospace says his company decided not to pursue a NASA competition for a commercial International Space Station module because of funding concerns, but remains interested in a separate effort for supporting a free-flying facility in low Earth orbit.

NASA selects Axiom Space to build commercial space station module

NASA has selected a startup led by a former International Space Station program manager to develop a commercial module for the station.

NASA proposes to buy seat on short-duration commercial ISS flight

NASA announced Nov. 26 that it is interested in buying a seat on a future commercial mission to the International Space Station, the latest move in the agency’s broader low Earth orbit commercialization efforts.

NASA looks to support development of commercial space stations

As NASA releases a draft solicitation to support development of commercial space stations, a former agency administrator is calling on industry to step up its investment in and use of such facilities.

Senate appropriators advance bill funding NASA despite uncertainties about Artemis costs

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill Sept. 26 that would give $22.75 billion for NASA, but expressed some frustration about the lack of details in the agency’s plans to return humans to the moon.

NASA seeks “industrialization” of low Earth orbit with ISS commercialization strategy

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine says he believes the agency’s new strategy for increasing commercial use of the ISS will lead to an “industrialization” of low Earth orbit, although experts warn it may take time for those markets to emerge.

House committee takes skeptical view of ISS commercialization plans

A month after NASA rolled out a strategy to increase commercial use of the International Space Station, some in Congress are skeptical of the effort.

NASA seeks proposals for commercial ISS modules

WASHINGTON — NASA issued a call for proposals for commercial modules that could be added to the International Space Station, although one industry executive warns that such facilities may not be as lucrative as NASA believes.

NASA issued …

NASA releases ISS commercialization plan

NASA unveiled a multi-pronged effort June 7 to increase commercial use of the International Space Station, from changes in policy to making a docking port available for commercial modules.