NASA is
seeking an alternative method of developing space cargo ships that can
transport crew and cargo to the international space station. In order to create
a level of efficiency in the program and money better spent they are seeking
potential contracts in developing commercialized flight. They hope to break
Russian monopolies on space flight.
Since 2011,
NASA has ended its space flight program but commercial companies such as
SpaceX, Boeing and Sierra Nevada Corporation have been developing their own
commercial flights. NASA hopes to foster this growth through funding these
private projects through partnerships. They goal is to provide a level of
oversight and knowledge while private proposals will include design, testing,
operations, and return flights.
They are
working on the Commercial Crew Transport Capability program to build a
commercial fleet by 2017. Phase 1 is
limited to the three companies but Phase 2 will offer opportunities to any
company that thinks they can design and build the transportation spacecraft. It
is believed that costs will be reduced.
To add to
the mix Russian ships are currently used to transport American crew but they
are threatening to charge higher rates in upcoming years. Likewise, budget
problems in the U.S. are forcing government to rethink their strategies in
hopes of finding cheaper and more commercially viable options.
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