Private Astronaut Missions 5 and 6 Flight Opportunities
ID: 80JSC025PAM5_6FlightOpportunitiesType: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERHOUSTON, TX, 77058, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AR13)
Timeline
    Description

    NASA's Johnson Space Center is soliciting proposals for Private Astronaut Missions (PAM) 5 and 6, which will provide flight opportunities to the International Space Station (ISS) for private astronauts. The missions are scheduled for launch between May 2026 and mid-2027, with a maximum of four private astronauts per mission and a docked duration not exceeding 14 days. This initiative is part of NASA's broader strategy to commercialize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and requires the use of certified U.S. transportation vehicles that comply with ISS visiting vehicle requirements. Interested parties must submit their proposals by June 25, 2025, and can direct questions to Ashley Chaves at ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov or Elizabeth Kosobud at elizabeth.kosobud@nasa.gov.

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    The document provides Q&A from an Industry Day for NASA's Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) 5/6 Solicitation, clarifying requirements for proposals. Key points include adherence to Focus Area 4A Section 3.1 of the NRA, which supersedes other guidelines for proposal content and budget details. Page limits for Mission Overview, Integration, and Business Approach sections have been increased by 5 pages each, with new limits of 17, 17, and 14 pages respectively. NASA intends to award PAM 5 and 6 simultaneously. White paper submissions under Phase I or 4B will not be considered for PAM 5 and 6 awards; proposals must be submitted under Phase II of Focus Area 4A. Criteria for PAM Commander candidates, including those more than five years removed from ISS USOS spaceflight operations, are clarified, and PAM Commander references are no longer required. Budget details should focus on the Mission Business Approach section and the PAM Budget Table, without additional external budget details.
    The document addresses questions and clarifications from industry participants regarding the Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) RFPs, specifically for PAM 5 and 6. It confirms that response requirements outlined in the Notice of Research Announcements (NRA) adhere to guidelines in the NASA FAR Supplement, allowing for specific proposal formats without extraneous documentation. The page limits for key proposal sections have been increased, and both PAM 5 and 6 awards will occur simultaneously. White papers may still be submitted, but only proposals from Phase II of Focus Area 4A will be eligible for consideration. Clarifications were made regarding the criteria for PAM Commander qualifications, the necessity of certain supporting documents, and budget submission requirements. Specifically, the budget must align with NRA instructions, requested details are limited, and any additional narrations should be included within the Mission Business Approach section. This document serves to ensure that proposals meet NASA's expectations and comply with federal guidelines while striving for transparency in the bidding process.
    The "Private Astronaut Mission 5/6 Questions and Answers" document clarifies various aspects of NASA's Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) program, specifically for PAMs 5 and 6. It states that white papers are no longer required for requesting or purchasing NASA resources; instead, these requests should be included in the Phase II proposal. The proposal itself serves as the comprehensive vehicle for all NASA resource requests. The document also addresses modifications to experience requirements for Alternate PAM Commanders, broadening eligibility to include current non-NASA or former flown U.S. Operating Segment astronauts who meet specific criteria. Furthermore, NASA plans to remove page limits for audited financial statements, evidence of revenue, sources of funds, and certain teaming agreements, while emphasizing the need for relevant financial and contractual information. Finally, it confirms the validity of the June 2026 through October 2026 launch window for PAM 5, indicating no preference for specific dates within this period.
    The document addresses inquiries regarding NASA's Private Astronaut Missions (PAM) 5 and 6, particularly concerning the process of requesting NASA resources for commercial purposes. It clarifies that while initial white papers for mission concepts can be submitted, they are not required for proposals in Phase II. Proposers must detail required NASA resources in their Phase II submission. NASA has revised eligibility for Alternate PAM Commanders to include astronauts from non-NASA programs who meet specific experience criteria, promoting broader competition. The page limits for financial statements and evidence of funding and partnerships have been lifted to provide comprehensive documentation necessary for proposal evaluations. NASA also confirms the launch window for PAM 5 extends from June to October 2026 and states that multiple launch dates within this timeframe are valid. Overall, the document outlines procedural expectations and clarifications vital for potential private astronauts seeking NASA collaboration.
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