NextSTEP-3 E: Network Extension for User Continuity and Sustainability (NEXUS) Ka-Band Backward-Compatible Relay Broad
NASA announced on 27 March 2026 that it will issue a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP‑3) program, Appendix E, to fund Project NEXUS – a Ka‑band backward‑compatible relay system. The solicitation targets industry partners capable of delivering an end‑to‑end Ka‑band relay service that can interoperate with the legacy Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) while providing a minimum fifteen‑year operational lifespan. NASA’s intent is to address the anticipated decline of the aging TDRS constellation and to secure continuity for on‑orbit missions that cannot be retrofitted or switched to non‑compatible commercial links.
The BAA will be structured as a phased, competitive research‑and‑development acquisition, beginning with multiple firm‑fixed‑price (FFP) awards. Down‑selection will be based on demonstrated performance, technical credibility, and commercial viability, with the expectation that the selected solutions will serve a broader commercial market beyond NASA. Proposals may employ any satellite orbit, but must encompass the complete service package, including the space segment, applicable launch services, ground and network infrastructure, and ongoing operations and maintenance. NASA plans to use data, demonstration outcomes, and operational insights from the program to shape future acquisition strategies for operational Ka‑band relay services.
The initiative seeks to mitigate continuity risk projected for the 2029‑2031 period by accelerating the maturation of commercially viable relay capabilities. By preserving full and open competition, NASA aims to foster a sustainable commercial ecosystem that can transition from research demonstrations to long‑term operational services. The program’s emphasis on backward compatibility ensures that existing TDRS‑dependent missions retain communications support while the new architecture prepares the agency for the next generation of space data relay requirements.
