NASA’s Commercial Partners Make Progress on Low Earth Orbit Projects
November 25, 2024
NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program is making significant progress as the agency’s partners move closer to providing routine transportation to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
Under the program, NASA has awarded contracts to three companies – SpaceX, Boeing, and Sierra Nevada Corporation – to develop and demonstrate commercial crew transportation systems. These systems will be used to transport astronauts to and from the ISS, ending the United States’ reliance on Russian spacecraft for this critical capability.
SpaceX
SpaceX, the first company to launch a commercial crew vehicle to the ISS, is continuing to make progress on its Crew Dragon spacecraft. The company has successfully completed several uncrewed test flights of Crew Dragon, and is now preparing for the first crewed flight test, scheduled for launch in early 2025.
Boeing
Boeing is also making progress on its CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The company has completed several uncrewed test flights of Starliner, and is now preparing for the first crewed flight test, scheduled for launch in late 2025.
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation is developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft, a winged vehicle that will be launched into orbit on a rocket and then return to Earth by landing on a runway. Dream Chaser has completed several uncrewed test flights, and is now preparing for the first crewed flight test, scheduled for launch in 2026.
Benefits of Commercial LEO Development
The development of commercial LEO transportation systems will provide a number of benefits for NASA, including:
- Reduced costs: Commercial systems are expected to be significantly less expensive than government-developed systems.
- Increased flexibility: Commercial systems will provide NASA with more flexibility in how it accesses the ISS and conducts research and development in LEO.
- Innovation: Commercial companies are incentivized to develop innovative new technologies that can improve the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of LEO transportation.
Next Steps
NASA is working closely with its commercial partners to ensure that the Crew Dragon, Starliner, and Dream Chaser spacecraft are safe and reliable for crewed flight. The agency is also working to develop the necessary infrastructure to support commercial LEO operations, including launch pads, mission control centers, and docking facilities.
NASA’s Commercial LEO Development Program is a key part of the agency’s plans to expand human presence in LEO and enable new scientific research and exploration opportunities. By partnering with commercial companies, NASA is leveraging the expertise and innovation of the private sector to achieve its goals in LEO.
NASA’s Commercial Partners Make Progress on Low Earth Orbit Projects
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