In 2019, NASA kicked off a strategy to enable a vibrant low Earth orbit economy which included offering flight opportunities for commercial providers to utilize the International Space Station (ISS) as a destination for private astronaut missions. Private astronaut missions to the ISS would be pathfinders to demonstrate and stimulate demand for future commercial destinations. Enabling private astronaut missions to the ISS could also potentially increase the US crew vehicle transportation customer base which could drive down transportation costs for the future.
Benefits of private astronaut missions to the ISS:
Allows commercial industry the ability to gain insight into the costs associated with owning and operating a future commercial low Earth orbit economy destinations
Reduces market risk to commercial low Earth orbit economy destination developers by demonstrating the market (i.e. non-government human missions to low Earth orbit economy are a key market element for future commercial low Earth orbit economy destinations)
Expands range of commercial activities that can be performed on ISS
Potential to increase flight rate and reduce costs for access to low Earth orbit economy
For news releases and announcements related to private astronaut missions, see our Latest News page.
Related Articles and Press Releases
Coverage Set for Axiom 3 Departure from Station
Explore hands-on activities, interactive, lesson plans, educator guides, and other downloadable content about this topic.
Axiom 3 Docks to Station
Axiom Mission 3 astronauts Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, Marcus Wandt, and Alper Gezeravci arrived at the International Space Station at 5:42 a.m. EST Saturday, Jan. 20.
Axiom Mission 3 Launches to the International Space Station
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
NASA, Partners to Welcome Private Crew Aboard Space Station
As part of NASA’s efforts to enable more access to space, four private astronauts are in orbit following the successful launch of the third all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
Axiom Space Selected for Another Private Space Mission in 2024
NASA and Axiom Space have signed an order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than August 2024.
NASA Enables Commercial Crew, Private Astronaut Missions
NASA’s efforts and investments, especially with the Commercial Crew Program, have enabled activity in low Earth orbit.
Private Astronaut Mission Pricing Policy
NASA has outlined a broad strategy to facilitate the commercialization of low Earth orbit by U.S. companies, and will enable private astronaut missions to the International Space Station as part of that strategy.
