NASA allowed SpaceX and Boeing to deliver astronauts to the ISS in 2017



    With the subtitle, “The Yankees say: Russians can stick their Union, and we will do it cheaper” news appeared about NASA’s plans. The agency expects that from 2017, SpaceX and CST-100 Dragon spacecraft from Boeing will be able to deliver astronauts to the ISS.

    The spacecraft Boeing and SpaceX passed the first stage of the tests necessary for admission to transportation of astronauts. NASA administrator Charles Bolden said at a press conference on this event: “I do not want to sign a single check to Roscosmos after 2017. If we succeed, I will be happy. ” NASA plans to fully devote orbital issues to commercial companies and focus on deep space exploration.

    At the same time, companies should not compete with each other - NASA just wants to play it safe so that at least two different organizations can carry out space transportation. The cost of putting the astronaut into orbit, according to their promises, will be about $ 58 million, while today Roscosmos estimates its transportation services at $ 70 million.

    Administrator Bolden also noted that by 2024 it is planned to complete the work of the ISS, and by then something new may appear - for example, Bigelow Aerospace will advance in the creation of inflatable space modules for astronauts and space tourists. The company has already successfully launched two test modules into orbit.

    The CST-100 capsule is capable of carrying four passengers and cargo, and Dragon - seven passengers, or five with additional cargo. Both capsules must be reusable. However, much remains to be done to implement the rainbow plans. For example, only Falcon 9 will need to be run at least 50 more times to complete the tests.

    Let me remind you that since 2011, NASA has not had a single manned spacecraft, and Roscosmos has put all the astronauts into orbit. In 2014, an American company entered into a contract for the purchase of engines of NPO Energomash in the amount of $ 1 billion. And just today there was news about the possible construction of an alternative to the ISS with the participation of the BRICS countries.

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