NASA has just announced that Boeing and SpaceX have been selected to top the Commercial Crew Program , founded in 2010 . Boeing ’s CST-100 and SpaceX ’s Dragon V2 will be used to launch human race into Low Earth Orbit and to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral showtime in 2017 . This will be the first human spacefaring launching on American dirt since the space bird program retire in 2011 .
Since the closing of the birdie programme , American cosmonaut headed to the ISS have had to bum a ride from Russia at a rate of $ 71 million per seat . However , the desire to be in charge of their own launching has been play up in late months due to forced relations with Russia over the intrusion of Ukraine . The United States government activity put sanctions on Russia and discerp most of its tie back in April , except for its dealings with the ISS . In retaliation , Russia has threatenedto halt providing transportation for American astronauts .
A primal difference between the space shuttle program and this new speculation is that the spacecraft will be provided by privately - owned corp , and the governing will be contracting out those military service . This allow for caller to compete for contracts , driving down the cost and boost innovative designs .
SpaceX , headed up byTesla MotorsCEOElon Musk , submitted a innovation called theDragon V2 .
It is a modify version of the Dragon spacecraft that SpaceX has been using to bring lading to the ISS since 2010 . A major feature film of the seven - seated ballistic capsule is the ability for controlled landings . This intend that in addition to going to the ISS , the spacecraft could be used to bring humans to the moon or other humankind . The advanced landing place system also means the spacecraft can be collected and reprocess quickly . This switch off down on waste materials , which afterwards cut back the disbursement of each launching . The Dragon V2 will launch using SpaceX ’s own Falcon 9 arugula .
Image credit : SpaceX
Boeingwas the heavy favorite run into today ’s announcement , with itsCST-100spacecraft .
The body design is unparalleled as it does not let in any welded junctions . This makes the watercraft lighter , more structurally sound , and soft to produce . Each vessel , which seats seven , can be used 10 time . Upon pass to Earth , the spacecraft will set ashore using chute and airbags . to boot , struts within the stern will provide added padding , reducing the stress of shock on the cosmonaut . The CST-100 will launch using an Atlas V Eruca sativa , produced by United Launch Alliance . ULA is a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin .
Image credit entry : Boeing
NASA has been using individual company to bring in cargo to the ISS over the last few years . The power to contract human transportation to and from the ISS release NASA up to focus on human ventures deeper into space ( such as Mars ) . NASA’sSpace Launch Systemwill establish an unmanned Orion spacecraft in 2017 , with the goal of the first man missionary work in 2021 .
