Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) Commander Eligibility Update

NASA is issuing this Special Notice to inform industry of an update to the eligibility requirements for the Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) Commander, which will result in contract modifications for existing PAM awardees to enable the change. NASA is broadening its requirements to allow larger number of candidates to fill the PAM Commander role.

The Agency is removing the requirement that a PAM Commander be a former NASA (U.S.) flown Government astronaut with U.S. Operating Segment (USOS) experience and also removing the requirement that a PAM Commander Alternate be a “current (non-NASA) or former flown astronaut with U.S. Operating Segment (USOS) experience.” This change in policy is being made to better align with the evolving commercial capabilities supporting low Earth orbit (LEO) missions and to ensure that the PAM framework continues to facilitate a robust and competitive commercial spaceflight marketplace. This notice is informational only. This announcement does not constitute a solicitation and no proposals are being requested at this time.