NASA has unveiled plans to buy a full range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, mission operations and ground support mid to transport astronauts to the International Space Station and LEO .
According to the proposed NASA project, the integrated design contract will be awarded to several private companies that can provide designs for all operations relating to the issuance and recovery. The agency will spend up to $ 1,610 million for the project that runs from July 2012 to April 2014, officials said.
"This effort will lead IDC through the critical design phase to fully incorporate human condition requirements of space flight safety and NASA International Space Station mission needs," said NASA's Commercial Crew Manager Mango Ed Program. "We expect a strong response of U.S. industry."
President Barack Obama has requested $ 850 million for NASA's commercial development initiative of the crew, or CCDev for the year beginning October 1, while last week the Senate Appropriations Committee provided $ 500 million .
Like us on Facebook
"This is an important step in the incredible story of United States space exploration," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "This is further evidence that we are committed to full implementation of our plan - as set out in the Enabling Act -. Outsourcing our transportation space station for NASA can focus its energy and resources in deep space exploration"
This year, NASA announced the retirement of its three remaining space shuttles. As a result of the U.S. became dependent on Russia to fly astronauts to and from the space station. Russia claims more than $ 50 million to a person, including training and support services. But the failure of a cargo space of Russia last month highlighted the dangers of relying on a single transportation option.
Referring to this case, Phil McAlister, director of NASA's commercial development of space flight, he said, "Right now, we have the failure of a single chain for about $ 100 billion national laboratory. Every year, we have the capability of the commercial crew, the station is at risk. "
Along with the taxi space, NASA also plans to launch optional milestones Trade Development Round of the crew 2 (CCDev2) initiative soon.
11 years ago
0 Comment:
Post a Comment