Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination Request for Information

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines NASA's plan to establish a new, free-flying, government-owned space station in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to ensure continuous U.S. crewed presence, support exploration, and foster commercial expansion. It details an evolutionary architecture that leverages the International Space Station (ISS) for initial assembly and outfitting.

• Initial Phase: A "Core Module" will be launched and attached to the ISS. This module will provide essential capabilities like propulsion, power, communications, and basic habitation. Up to two commercial modules can be attached while at the ISS.

• Transition Phase: The Core Module, with attached commercial modules, will separate from the ISS to become a free-flying space station.

• Evolved Phase: Additional modules, including a Power and Cooling Module (PCM) and further commercial modules, can be added to expand capabilities.

• Commercial Integration: The station is designed to accommodate commercial modules for research, manufacturing, and other activities, with opportunities for commercial partners to contribute to its development and operation.

• The document implies performance through the description of capabilities like continuous crew presence, research support, and commercial expansion.

• Specific metrics are not detailed in this high-level concept.

• Period: The document discusses a transition from ISS operations, implying a multi-year development and operational period.

• Place: Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• Leveraging ISS: Utilizes ISS resources, hardware, and transportation capabilities for initial assembly and outfitting.

• Modularity and Extensibility: Designed for future expansion with commercial modules.

• Robotics and EVA: Incorporates robotic capabilities for assembly and potential EVA provisions.

• Transportation: Relies on commercial crew and cargo transportation, with modifications for propellant delivery and reboost.

• Commercial Partnerships: Emphasizes collaboration with commercial entities for module development and services.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines NASA's "LEO New Approach Acquisition" strategy, focusing on procuring commercial modules and transportation services for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) activities, potentially including the International Space Station (ISS) and future free-flying destinations.

• Three-Phase Procurement:

  • Phase 1: Core and 2 Commercial Modules
  • Phase 2: Market Driven Power and Cooling Module
  • Phase 3: Market Driven Commercial Expansion or Free Flight Services

• Core Module: Procurement via a supply contract, with potential partnership opportunities. NASA aims to acquire a NASA-owned Core Module.

• Commercial Modules: Development of two commercial modules via partnership arrangements, to be attached to the NASA-owned Core Module.

• Transportation Services: Continued procurement of Commercial Space Transportation services (Crew and Cargo) while attached to ISS and the Independent Core.

• Core Module Acquisition Strategy: Focuses on supply-based contract acquisition, rapid High TRL development, and partnering for cost offsets. NASA may initially select two awardees for architectural maturation, downselecting to one.

• Commercial Module Acquisition Strategy: NASA will partner with US industry, not seeking to be the majority stakeholder. Commercial partners will design, build, integrate, launch, demonstrate, and operate modules, demonstrating market growth and establishing self-sustaining free-flying destinations.

• Partnership Arrangements: Involve agreements on scope, price, milestones, and NASA's contribution (which can include NASA upmass, crew time, ISS access, etc.) in exchange for use rights to the commercial module. NASA seeks the lowest cash contribution.

• Cost Offsets: Industry is encouraged to propose cost offsets for the Core Module, such as ISS seats, cargo upmass, or EXPRESS rack space, in exchange for commercial opportunities.

• Milestones: Firm Fixed Price Milestones will be used to track the developmental process, certification, and operations for commercial modules.

• Not explicitly detailed in this document, but the strategy emphasizes partnership with US industry.

• Transition to services will occur when market demand matures and is self-sustaining.

• NASA will continue to use and potentially recompete CCP and CRS contracts for transportation services.

• The plan ensures transportation capabilities remain viable between the arrival of the new core station and the end of the ISS.