Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program

NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program supports commercially owned and operated orbital destinations so the agency can purchase safe, reliable station services alongside other customers. Its development portfolio includes Axiom Space's station elements, initially attached to the International Space Station, and free-flying station designs supported through Space Act Agreements, including Blue Origin's Orbital Reef and Starlab. Northrop Grumman withdrew from its independent station agreement and joined the Starlab effort. NASA's phased strategy separates station design and development, demonstration, and eventual competitive purchase and certification of services. The broader aim is to preserve access to microgravity research and human-spaceflight operations while expanding a sustainable commercial economy in low Earth orbit.