April 26, 2024

NASA says SpaceX is only provider so far able to provide astronaut taxi rides

SpaceX is the only American business right now capable of sending astronauts to the International Space Station, NASA stated in granting the business additional flights.The Hawthorne, California-based company received a sole-source adjustment to the existing agreement in between NASA and SpaceX. In pictures: SpaceXs Crew-3 astronaut launch for NASA” SpaceXs team transport system is the only one accredited to meet NASAs safety requirements to transfer crew to the area station, and to preserve the agencys commitment to its international partners in the required timeframe,” NASA stated in a Dec. 3 statement.The International Space Station as seen by the SpaceX Crew-2 mission on Nov. 8, 2021. (Image credit: NASA) NASAs ultimate strategy is to alternate flights in between SpaceXs and Boeings systems as soon as Boeing is ready, the firm stated, and it is prepared to include more spacecraft systems as the requirement expands.Commercial service to the ISS will likely expand quickly in the coming years, as the complex rotates to enable more companies on board to do experiments and research study.

SpaceX is the only American business right now capable of sending out astronauts to the International Space Station, NASA stated in granting the company extra flights.The Hawthorne, California-based company received a sole-source modification to the existing contract between NASA and SpaceX. In pictures: SpaceXs Crew-3 astronaut launch for NASA” SpaceXs crew transport system is the only one certified to fulfill NASAs safety requirements to transport crew to the area station, and to maintain the agencys responsibility to its international partners in the needed timeframe,” NASA said in a Dec. 3 statement.The International Space Station as seen by the SpaceX Crew-2 objective on Nov. 8, 2021. (Image credit: NASA) NASAs eventual strategy is to alternate flights in between SpaceXs and Boeings systems once Boeing is prepared, the firm said, and it is prepared to include more spacecraft systems as the need expands.Commercial service to the ISS will likely expand rapidly in the coming years, as the complex rotates to enable more business on board to do experiments and research study.