NASA has announced the next step toward a future in which commercial space stations will form the foundation of human presence in low Earth orbit. On Friday, the agency published a final Request for Proposals, inviting American companies to submit their designs for next-generation stations. The initiative aligns with national space policy and is intended to ensure continuous U.S. presence in space after the International Space Station is retired. NASA expects private companies to undertake the development, construction, and operation of new orbital platforms that can be used by the agency itself as well as other commercial and scientific organizations. The transition to commercial stations is expected to reduce budgetary costs for maintaining human presence in space while simultaneously stimulating the development of the private space sector in the United States. The agency intends to act as one of the clients, leasing space and resources on the new stations, rather than being the sole owner and operator of the infrastructure. The request for proposals will serve as the basis for subsequent selection of partners and conclusion of contracts with companies capable of offering reliable and cost-effective solutions. This step is viewed as part of NASA's broader strategy for developing the commercial space sector and ensuring sustainable U.S. presence in low Earth orbit in the coming decades.