Private Astronaut Mission (PAM) Commander Eligibility Update 80JSC026PAMCommander
Summary
AI-generated · Mar 26, 2026PAM Commander eligibility requirements have been updated to broaden the pool of qualified candidates. Specifically, the requirement that a PAM Commander be a former NASA (U.S.) flown Government astronaut with USOS experience has been removed, and the requirement that a PAM Commander Alternate be a current or former flown astronaut with USOS experience has also been removed. This change allows a larger number of individuals to qualify for the PAM Commander role.
The update is intended to align with evolving commercial capabilities for low Earth orbit missions and to keep the PAM framework competitive in the commercial spaceflight marketplace. This notice is informational only; no solicitation or proposals are being requested at this time. The change will require contract modifications for existing PAM awardees to implement the new eligibility criteria.
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.
From Special Notice posted on Mar 25, 2026Notice history
1Details
Award Information
Not yet awarded
Contacts
Agency
Place of Performance
USA