The privatization of the orbital supply chain is now complete.

Space · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: NASA is shifting the heavy lifting of space logistics to the private sector. By awarding three new cargo contracts, the agency is moving toward a model where commercial carriers handle the routine transport of supplies, allowing scientists to focus on high-level research for the journey to Mars.

On January 14, 2016, NASA finalized Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contracts with three private entities: Orbital ATK, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and SpaceX. These agreements ensure that critical science, research, and technology demonstrations—specifically those informing the long-term goal of reaching Mars—will be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) between 2019 and 2024. This move represents a significant evolution from NASA's previous model of direct government operation to a commercial partnership framework.

The scope of these contracts extends beyond simple delivery. The providers are responsible for transporting cargo to the station, disposing of unneeded materials, and returning research samples back to Earth. Each of the three companies is guaranteed a minimum of six cargo resupply missions. Furthermore, the funding covers essential infrastructure needs, including ISS integration, flight support equipment, special tasks, studies, and various NASA requirement changes. This multi-provider strategy is designed to create a robust portfolio that reduces risk by offering diverse launch options and mission types.

This transition reflects a vision first pledged in 2010 by President Barack Obama to make space travel more affordable through private competition. By the time of these awards, commercial carriers had already transported over 35,000 pounds of cargo to the ISS. By outsourcing these logistics, NASA aims to maximize the utility of the station as a laboratory for humanity's benefit, shifting the agency's primary focus toward advanced scientific discovery rather than the mechanics of orbital transport.

By choosing SpaceX (Hawthorne, California), Sierra Nevada Corporation (Sparks, Nevada), and Orbital ATK (Dulles, Virginia), Kirk Shireman, the ISS Program Manager, initiated a 'second generation' of commercial cargo services for low-Earth orbit. It establishes a precedent for how public-private synergy will sustain human presence in space while accelerating the technological roadmap toward deeper exploration.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The shift from government monopoly to commercial cargo in orbit
• The $1.6 billion shift from government fleets to private space taxis
• How NASA outsourced the future of orbital logistics
• A new era of cargo delivery begins for the space station
• The heavy-lifting evolution of NASA's orbital supply chain
• The orbital baton pass: how command shifts work in space
• Life and research aboard the International Space Station
• One woman is about to rewrite the history of American spaceflight
• The human streak in orbit has lasted over 9,000 days
• How a 340-day marathon in orbit prepares humanity for Mars
• What is life like aboard the International Space Station?
• What happens to the human body during a year in orbit?

More in Space agencies · More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics