NASA has released a new call for proposals for the next two private astronaut missions (PAMs) to the International Space Station, introducing a provision that could allow former astronauts from international space agencies to command these missions, expanding beyond the previous requirement of former NASA astronauts.
The solicitation, announced on April 2, seeks proposals for the fifth and sixth commercial missions to the ISS, as part of the agency’s broader strategy to commercialize low Earth orbit. The long-term goal of the program is to transition operations from the International Space Station to privately operated orbital platforms.
“These missions leverage our decades of expertise to help industry gain the experience needed to train and manage crews, conduct research, and develop future destinations,” said Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS program manager. “Private astronaut missions are a key part of this effort, providing companies with hands-on opportunities to refine their capabilities and build partnerships that will shape the future of low Earth orbit.”
While NASA continues to require that primary mission commanders be former NASA astronauts with long-duration ISS experience — defined as at least 30 days aboard the station — the new rules allow companies to propose an alternate commander from another space agency. Candidates from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), European Space Agency (ESA), or Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) may be considered, provided they meet similar qualifications and the change does not disrupt the proposed mission timeline.
“Should NASA broaden its PAM Commander experience requirements, the PAM Provider may designate its alternate Commander as its PAM Commander provided that such a swap does not negatively impact the PAM Provider’s ability to meet the proposed mission integration schedule,” the solicitation states.
The policy shift could benefit commercial firms like Axiom Space, which has employed former ESA and JAXA astronauts. Tim Peake, a former ESA astronaut, joined Axiom’s astronaut team in July 2024 following a memorandum of understanding with the UK Space Agency to explore a UK-led mission. In April 2024, Axiom also hired Koichi Wakata, a former JAXA astronaut, who later expressed interest in returning to space, possibly as part of an Asia-Pacific-focused mission.
Axiom Space has secured all four PAM contracts awarded to date, with missions launched annually since 2022. Its next mission, Ax-4, is planned for no earlier than May 2025. However, the company may face new competition in upcoming rounds. California-based Vast, which is also developing commercial space infrastructure, has indicated its intent to bid for future PAM opportunities.
NASA maintains its framework of permitting up to two private astronaut missions per year. Under the current schedule, PAM 5 is planned for no earlier than May 2026, and PAM 6 for mid-2027.
