NASA Preparing Final ISS Commercial Cargo Delivery Contracts

NASA is proposing to extend three existing contracts for the transportation of cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) through its anticipated end in 2030. The contracts, which were originally awarded in 2015, are currently set to expire in 2024.

     Under the proposed extension, SpaceX would receive an additional $2.35 billion for six missions, Northrop Grumman would receive an additional $2.2 billion for six missions, and Sierra Nevada Corporation would receive an additional $1.1 billion for up to four missions.

     The proposed extension of these contracts results from NASA's decision to continue utilizing the ISS until at least 2030. The ISS has been continuously occupied by astronauts since November 2000 and has served as a critical platform for scientific research and experimentation in low-Earth orbit.

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus-XL Cargo Spacecraft

      The proposed extension is subject to congressional approval, and if approved, it would ensure that NASA has reliable and cost-effective cargo transportation services to support the continued operation of the ISS.

       The cargo transported to and from the ISS includes vital supplies such as food, water, and equipment necessary for scientific research. The proposed extension of these contracts will ensure that the ISS remains a hub for scientific discovery and innovation for years to come.

SpaceX's Dragon 2 Spacecraft docking to the ISS

      Notably missing from the list of cargo delivery options is Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. Originally developed for the ISS Commercial Crew program, Boeing had been evaluating the possibility of a cargo variant of Starliner. However, the proposed cargo variant was not considered by NASA as it was deemed outside the scope of the extension.

     As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery, the agency's partnership with private companies will play a critical role in achieving its goals. The proposed extension of these cargo transportation contracts is just one example of the successful collaboration between NASA and the private sector in advancing space exploration and discovery.