Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships -3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus

NASA’s Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-3 (NextSTEP-3) Omnibus establishes a strategic framework to support the agency’s long-term goal of advancing human space exploration and commercial spaceflight activities. Effective from September 27, 2024, through September 26, 2029, this Omnibus updates and succeeds the NextSTEP-2 initiative, which facilitated NASA’s engagement with industry from 2016 to 2024. The NextSTEP-3 Omnibus enables NASA to issue specific Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Appendices periodically, targeting focused research, technology development, and demonstration efforts tailored to support NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration strategy. These efforts include concept studies, applied research, and robotic precursor activities designed to enhance deep space exploration capabilities and foster sustainable human presence beyond Earth orbit. Functioning as a broad framework rather than a direct solicitation, the NextSTEP-3 Omnibus outlines general requirements and processes for future contract opportunities without providing immediate funding or proposal calls. Detailed solicitations, proposal instructions, funding availability, eligibility criteria, and evaluation processes will be provided in individual NextSTEP-3 BAA Appendices as they are released. The program encourages partnerships that leverage commercial capabilities and corporate resources to strengthen NASA’s exploration architecture. Administered by NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., under the auspices of the Human Spaceflight Enterprise, the initiative aligns with expanding commercial human spaceflight activities while integrating them into NASA’s mission objectives for robotic and human exploration across the solar system.