# Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) Commander Eligibility Update

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/80jsc026pamcommander

- Solicitation number: 80JSC026PAMCommander
- Notice type: Special notice
- Status: Closed. Deadline was April 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT
- Department: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Contracting office: NASA Johnson Space Center (80JSC0)
- Place of performance: Houston, Texas
- County: Harris County (FIPS 48201). https://abierto.us/counties/harris-county-tx-48201
- City: Houston. https://abierto.us/cities/houston-tx-4835000
- First posted: March 25, 2026
- Last posted: March 25, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/5d86d269b1f74d879a78f6f8ed229ba6/view

## Description

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.

## Publications

- March 25, 2026: Special notice, due April 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT. Notice 5d86d269b1f74d879a78f6f8ed229ba6. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/5d86d269b1f74d879a78f6f8ed229ba6/view

## Points of contact

- Ashley Chaves, ashley.h.chaves@nasa.gov

---
Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/80jsc026pamcommander.