NASA Takes New Approach to Space Travel: Offloading Spacecraft Production to Private Companies
NASA has made a major change in its space program, deciding to stop producing and sending spacecraft on its own. Instead, the agency is now purchasing the service from external companies such as SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk. This decision is due to the high operating costs that are ultimately funded by American taxpayers.
One of these external companies, Boeing, is currently facing significant risks with its aviation business struggling with a series of accidents. The development of the Starliner spacecraft has also faced challenges, with delays in test flights and issues with thrusters and cooling systems.
NASA awarded contracts to SpaceX and Boeing in 2011 to take over the old space shuttles, with each company tasked to conduct six operational missions. SpaceX received a $2.6 billion contract, while Boeing received $4.2 billion. SpaceX successfully flew a crew on a test flight in 2020, leaving Boeing four years behind with significant expenses to rectify faults.
The upcoming launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will involve testing seats, life support systems, navigation, and cargo transfer to the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts will wear new, lighter spacesuits with touchscreen-sensitive gloves for enhanced flexibility. After docking at the ISS for about 10 days, the astronauts will return to Earth using heat shields, parachutes and airbags to soften their impact. If successful
