http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html en-us
The three-day simulations evaluated the spacecraft's subsonic handling in support of NASA Commercial Crew Program (CCP) efforts. To watch the video, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://youtu.be/z9mXAAQyrdY]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 20:50:33 GMT Fri, 17 May 2013 16:25:04 GMT
To see an image of Bruce Jackson, an aerospace engineer at Langley, as well as astronauts Rex Walheim and Gregory Johnson, in the Dream Chaser simulator, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/12yHaAV]]> Thu, 16 May 2013 21:15:56 GMT
For more on the shipment from SNC's facility in Louisville, Colo., to Dryden and upcoming milestones, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/144iros]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 21:32:03 GMT
Before you answer, let's first look at the space shuttle. It was an amazing vehicle with tremendous capabilities and a myriad of accomplishments. You might think of it as a semi-sized moving truck that delivered all of the components needed to construct the International Space Station, which now is the size of a football field. Huge, right? Now that the science platform is built in space, NASA needs to be able to safely transport its astronauts there to perform critical research, launching and landing from right here in the United States.

You could think about it like this: once your house is built here on Earth, would you continue to drive a semi-sized vehicle to and from work every day or would you opt for a smaller, more economical vehicle?

Now put your thinking caps on and send us your guesses via CCP social media: www.facebook.com/NASACommercialCrew and www.twitter.com/commercial_crew. We'll give you the answers on Friday.]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 21:06:47 GMT
The testing at Dryden will include tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests of the Dream Chaser. A truck will tow the vehicle down a runway to validate performance of the nose strut, brakes and tires. The captive-carry flights will further examine the loads the vehicle will encounter during flight and test the performance and flutter of the vehicle up to release from an Erickson Skycrane helicopter. The free-flight tests are designed to validate the Dream Chaser's aerodynamics as well as test the flight control surfaces to verify flight characteristics for approach, flare and landing.

For more on CCP, follow along on social media by copying and pasting these links into your Web browser: http://www.facebook.com/NASACommercialCrew and http://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 20:52:53 GMT
The Dragon is based on the capsule-shaped spacecraft that already is delivering cargo to the International Space Station and launching from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station; designed to carry a crew of seven, or a combination of equivalent crew and cargo; slated to launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket; can land on land or in the ocean; and is named after a mythical fire-breathing creature.

Learn more about the Dragon by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/10mbIY6]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 21:33:48 GMT
We'll give you the answer later this afternoon, but you can do more research on NASA's Commercial Crew Program and the integrated commercial spacecraft and launch vehicles that are under development to potentially carry astronauts to the International Space Station around the middle of the decade by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 14:12:06 GMT
The Integrated Systems Safety Analysis Review provided NASA with hazard reports and safety and reliability plans for the major components of the company's integrated crew transportation system, including the Dream Chaser spacecraft, United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, and flight and ground systems.

To read more about the review and what the future holds for the SNC team, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Yxnixh]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 21:32:41 GMT
The CST-100 resembles the capsule-shaped spacecraft of NASA's Apollo era, but is designed to carry a crew of seven to low-Earth orbit rather than three; slated to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida; designed for a parachute landing on land; can be reused for up to 10 missions; and has three letters and three numbers in its name.

Learn more about the CST-100 by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/10mbVL0]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 20:24:06 GMT
We'll give you the answer later this afternoon, but you can do more research on NASA's Commercial Crew Program and the integrated commercial spacecraft and launch vehicles that are under development to potentially carry astronauts to the International Space Station around the middle of the decade by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 14:31:16 GMT
Dream Chaser is designed to carry up to seven crew members, or equivalent crew and cargo, to low-Earth orbit; slated to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida; burns an environmentally friendly hybrid fuel mixture; has wings to glide to a runway landing; and is more than just a dream.

Learn more about the Dream Chaser by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/10m4YJP]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 20:33:26 GMT
We'll give you the answer later this afternoon, but you can do more research on NASA's Commercial Crew Program and the integrated commercial spacecraft and launch vehicles that are under development to potentially carry astronauts to the International Space Station around the middle of the decade by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Wed, 08 May 2013 13:48:54 GMT Mon, 06 May 2013 17:57:16 GMT
To learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:51:57 GMT
To learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:38 GMT
Teams will look closely at SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and flight operations plans for crewed missions to low-Earth orbit during this ninth Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) performance milestone. Through CCiCap, NASA is accelerating the development of systems that can be used by government or commercial customers.

To learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its CCiCap partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:57:30 GMT
Later this month, the PIT Crew will travel to McGregor, Texas, for a SuperDraco abort engine test. Plans call for eight SuperDracos to be built into the sidewalls of the Dragon spacecraft, allowing a crew to escape from danger at any point of a launch.

For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:36:37 GMT
The review is one of six performance milestones Boeing has completed for NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to make available commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers. The company is on track to complete all 19 of its milestones during CCiCap.

To read more about this and other Boeing CCiCap milestones, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/13YFHHV.]]> Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:20:48 GMT
Plans call for the NASA Docking System (NDS) design to be made available to all U.S.-based crew-carrying spacecraft docking with the space station in the future. The docking system will be able to transfer power, data, commands, air and communications between the two craft as they orbit the Earth.

CCP's three Certification Products Contract (CPC) contractors, The Boeing Company, Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), will be able to look at the results of the review and provide feedback on how they plan to incorporate the NDS into their spacecraft.]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:29:01 GMT
To learn more about CCP and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:22:41 GMT
To learn more about NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:33:10 GMT
For more on CCP and its partners, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew]]> Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:48:28 GMT Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:07:12 GMT Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:47:28 GMT
The systems the teams will focus on range from biomedical and life support to software and processes a crew would need to become familiar with in order to command a Dragon mission. SpaceX is working closely with NASA's Commercial Crew Program on the development of its integrated crew transportation system under a Space Act Agreement, while certification efforts are taking place under a contract.]]> Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:43:15 GMT
What began as a public-private partnership in 2005 through a Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) agreement with NASA, the work secured a cargo supply line to our greatest asset in low-Earth orbit, the International Space Station.

Today, NASA's Commercial Crew Program is at the helm of charting a similar course, this time for astronaut transportation, with SpaceX, The Boeing Company and Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems.

Copy and paste this link into your Web browser to read more about the history of this new era of space exploration in this interview with NASA's Alan Lindenmoyer: http://go.nasa.gov/X5yrBh. And be sure to follow along with today's countdown to launch at http://go.nasa.gov/YsQhxv.]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:30:01 GMT
Later this year, Blue Origin will focus on test firing its liquid-oxygen and liquid-hydrogen fueled BE-3 engines, building on the full-scale thrust chamber testing accomplished during the funded portion of its CCDev2 agreement. The test fire will take place at the company's West Texas Launch Site. In the winter, the company will outline the progress it has made toward designing, manufacturing and assembling its subscale booster propellant tank.

This CCDev2 extension will allow NASA to provide expert feedback to Blue Origin as the company works through additional milestones.]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:52:37 GMT
The SpaceX team is gearing up to host a number of sessions to talk with NASA about how the company plans to meet the agency's safety and performance requirements for crewed Dragon missions to the International Space Station.

The Boeing Company recently conducted its own discussions about prelaunch sequence plans with NASA and United Launch Alliance, the company selected to launch Boeing's CST-100 spacecraft atop the Atlas V.]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:28:54 GMT
The company, one of three NASA is working with to establish a commercial industry to ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting laboratory, recently completed its fifth performance milestone and two in-depth reviews as part of the CST-100's development. To read more about the progress, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/XocD7s]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:43:37 GMT Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:38:28 GMT They'll deliver their own certification plans, their plans to verify and validate their systems are safe, hazard analysis reports and any proposed alternate standards to NASA's Commercial Crew Program for review. Those products will delve into all aspects of their systems, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, and ground and mission operations.]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:51:16 GMT
Lueders currently is the manager of NASA's International Space Station Program Transportation Integration Office. Throughout the past six years, her leadership in that office has been vital to NASA as the agency turned to the private sector to begin transporting critical cargo and supplies to the station following the retirement of the space shuttles.

She also served in an advisory capacity to CCP while it developed the program approach that will ensure commercial missions are held to the same safety standards as government human space transportation system missions.

She is set to make the transition to CCP following the launch of SpaceX's second Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) mission to the station, which currently is targeted to launch March 1 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.]]> Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:57:13 GMT
For nearly 15 years, NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has been buying commercial launch vehicles for a wide variety of scientific, non-crewed spacecraft. CCP has been working with LSP on this collaborative type approach with industry to implement the same principles for human spaceflight services.

TDRS-K is launching atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, the launch vehicle selected by The Boeing Company for its CST-100 spacecraft and Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems for its Dream Chaser. ULA already is looking to modify its Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch pad for crewed missions.

Lastly, TDRS-K is set to add continuity to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), which allows the International Space Station, astronauts, launch vehicles and spacecraft to have constant communications with ground controllers on Earth.

To learn more about the TDRSS network, copy and paste this video link into your Web browser: http://youtu.be/zNSxl9UXkCU]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:08:04 GMT
To read about how NASA is working with The Boeing Company, Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to begin certifying commercial systems, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/TwBfeR

To learn more about the importance of certifying human spaceflight systems, watch this "In Their Own Words" video with Tom Simon, a NASA contracting officer's representative: http://go.nasa.gov/XBiIZK]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:55:19 GMT
Through development and certification initiatives, they're leading the space industry and working together to ensure that by the middle of the decade, American astronauts can launch from U.S. soil to the International Space Station and return safely. To learn more, go to www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:33:18 GMT
Check out an updated interactive map of the United States to see where all 73 aerospace companies are operating and how the endeavors of NASA's Commercial Crew Program are affecting your community.

The map will show you which companies are operating in your state, along with overall aerospace jobs and the economic impact to your community.

To get started, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/V7o6UJ]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:16:21 GMT
For a look ahead at what is to come in 2013, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Ycakq8.]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:30:07 GMT
Don't forget to follow us while you're there so you can stay up to date on the advancement of American human spaceflight capabilities.]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:37:57 GMT
As Ed Mango, CCP's manager, said during the conference, America has a very vibrant space industry and NASA's current partners are busy working to ensure the nation has safe, reliable and affordable crew transportation systems for low-Earth orbit and International Space Station missions around the middle of the decade. There are 26 states actively involved in the development of commercial crew systems and subsystems for the national capability to launch American astronauts from U.S. soil aboard American-led vehicles. To view the slide presentation from the conference, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/UMm15U.

To learn more about the agency's industry partners, visit the CCP site at www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:52:46 GMT
The scheduled briefing participants are Phil McAlister, NASA Commercial Spaceflight Development director; Ed Mango, NASA Commercial Crew Program manager; Rob Meyerson, Blue Origin president and program manager; John Mulholland, The Boeing Co. Commercial Programs Space Exploration vice president and program manager; Mark Sirangelo, Sierra Nevada Corp. vice president and SNC Space Systems chairman; and Garrett Reisman, SpaceX Commercial Crew project manager.

Stay up-to-date with CCP on the Web as it facilitates the development of U.S. commercial crew space transportation capabilities at www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Or follow along on the program's social media sites: www.twitter.com/commercial_crew and www.facebook.com/NASACommercialCrew.]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:43:13 GMT
The scheduled briefing participants are Phil McAlister, NASA Commercial Spaceflight Development director; Ed Mango, NASA Commercial Crew Program manager; Rob Meyerson, Blue Origin president and program manager; John Mulholland, The Boeing Co. Commercial Programs Space Exploration vice president and program manager; Mark Sirangelo, Sierra Nevada Corp. vice president and SNC Space Systems chairman; and Garrett Reisman, SpaceX Commercial Crew project manager.

Stay up-to-date with CCP on the Web as it facilitates the development of U.S. commercial crew space transportation capabilities at www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Or follow along on the program's social media sites: www.twitter.com/commercial_crew and www.facebook.com/NASACommercialCrew.]]> Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:33:14 GMT
To see images of C3PF in its current state, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/UbDBNG

To view the construction phase and for animation of what Boeing has in store for the C3PF beginning next summer, watch this video: http://go.nasa.gov/VWEZAY]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:29:04 GMT
Learn more about the newest commercial crew phase and see artist concepts of what commercial spacecraft would look like approaching and docking to the station by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/TSLHKV]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:04:48 GMT
The Certification Products Contracts (CPC) are the Commercial Crew Program's first major, fixed-price contracts and will bring space system designs within NASA's safety and performance expectations for future flights to the orbiting laboratory.

The CPC contractors are:
-- The Boeing Co., Houston
-- Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems, Louisville, Colo.
-- Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Hawthorne, Calif.

To read more about what the companies will do under the contracts and what this step means for the future of American human spaceflight, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/T2igon]]> Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:37:58 GMT
To download and print the bookmark/ruler, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/YVEKfG. For best results, use card stock and select auto-rotate and center and the two-sided option in your printer settings. If the two-sided option isn't available, print page 1 and reload the paper before printing page 2.]]> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:15:28 GMT
Watch a video about the role SpaceX, Boeing and Sierra Nevada Corp. are playing to help NASA achieve its space exploration goals by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/SuRp5C]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:56:49 GMT
Read more about how Boeing will utilize the space for its CST-100 spacecraft, which is under development in collaboration with NASA's Commercial Crew Program, and the attention the partnership has garnered from international organizations, by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/RRSIK9]]> Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:31:13 GMT
To learn more about NASA's human space exploration programs and to meet the new faces of the agency's low-Earth orbit efforts, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/TUqBKC]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:38:52 GMT
"Companies like ULA and their subcontractors on the Space Coast and around the nation are creating the high-skill, good-paying jobs that will ensure continued American leadership in space and the growth of the greatest aerospace industry in the world," said Ed Mango, CCP's manager.

To read more about how the progress is fostering America's human spaceflight capabilities, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Z6zKCF]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:23:23 GMT
Manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, Ed Mango, said the initial milestones of CCiCap are just the beginning of a very exciting endeavor with SpaceX as the company continues to develop its integrated Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft for crewed missions to low-Earth orbit.

To read more about the kickoff of CCiCap and what the company accomplished during CCDev2, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Y8mbTL]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:08:33 GMT
The test was part of Blue Origin's work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2). CCDev2 continues to bring spacecraft and launch vehicle designs forward to develop a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability that ultimately could become available for the government and other customers.]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:18:54 GMT
The pusher escape system was designed and developed by Blue Origin to allow crew escape in the event of an emergency during any phase of ascent for its suborbital New Shepard system. As part of an incremental development program, the results of this test will shape the design of the escape system for the company's biconic-shaped orbital Space Vehicle. The system is expected to enable full reusability of the launch vehicle, which is different from NASA's previous launch escape systems that would pull a spacecraft away from its rocket before reaching orbit.

The test was part of Blue Origin's work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2). Through initiatives like CCDev2, NASA is fostering the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit. After the capability is matured and available to the government and other customers, NASA could contract to purchase commercial services to meet its station crew transportation needs.

To read more about the test and to see images, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/TbrgbU]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:36:02 GMT Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:44:31 GMT
The test was part of Blue Origin's work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2). CCDev2 continues to bring spacecraft and launch vehicle designs forward to develop a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability that ultimately could become available for the government and other customers.

To learn more and to see a photo of the test, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/SYpxlL]]> Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:30:58 GMT
As a follow on to CCDev2, NASA is funding three American companies for the development of integrated spacecraft and launch vehicles during the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. Two of the three recipients, The Boeing Company with its CST-100 spacecraft and Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) with its Dream Chaser spacecraft, have selected ULA's Atlas V rocket as their launch vehicle.]]> Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:10:52 GMT
Boeing's mock-up CST-100 spacecraft was put through water landing development tests last week at Bigelow Aerospace's headquarters outside of Las Vegas. Engineers with Bigelow dropped the capsule-shaped spacecraft into an outdoor pool from a crane four times to assess whether or not the airbags will stabilize the capsule during landings as planned. With each drop, engineers raised the altitude by a few feet, culminating in a 9-foot drop for the fourth test.

The tests are part of Boeing's ongoing work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) development phase. Approximately 30 drop tests of the airbags over water will continue for the next few weeks, prior to moving to a dry lake bed in the Nevada desert.

"This test series will provide important data on spacecraft performance in an abort landing condition. This data will allow the team to move into final design release," said John Mulholland, vice president and program manager for Boeing Commercial Programs.

Boeing currently is one of three companies working with NASA during CCiCap to return America's capability to launch astronauts to low Earth orbit from U.S. soil.]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:46:34 GMT
Boeing's mock-up CST-100 spacecraft was put through water landing development tests last week at Bigelow Aerospace's headquarters outside of Las Vegas. Engineers with Bigelow dropped the capsule-shaped spacecraft into an outdoor pool from a crane four times to assess whether or not the airbags will stabilize the capsule during landings as planned. With each drop, engineers raised the altitude by a few feet, culminating in a 9-foot drop for the fourth test.

The tests are part of Boeing's ongoing work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) development phase. Approximately 30 drop tests of the airbags over water will continue for the next few weeks, prior to moving to a dry lake bed in the Nevada desert.

"This test series will provide important data on spacecraft performance in an abort landing condition. This data will allow the team to move into final design release," said John Mulholland, vice president and program manager for Boeing Commercial Programs.

Boeing currently is one of three companies working with NASA during CCiCap to return America's capability to launch astronauts to low Earth orbit from U.S. soil.]]> Fri, 05 Oct 2012 22:05:31 GMT
Show your support for NASA's Commercial Crew Program and its CCiCap partners, Boeing, Sierra Nevada Corp. and SpaceX, as they develop America's next-generation space transportation systems by downloading and printing the agency's newest commercial crew poster. Just copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/OB67se]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:35:01 GMT
To learn more about how and why NASA will certify these new systems to meet its crew transportation needs no later than 2017, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/OzKkRD]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:05:27 GMT
In 2010, NASA began to invest in the commercial sector's capability to support the transportation of crews to and from low Earth orbit. During this initiative through a Space Act Agreement, NASA invested about $1.5 million of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 economic stimulus funds in Paragon to mature its air purifying system.

The company now is providing that system to Mine Shield LLC of Lancaster, Ky., for use in its underground miner refuge chambers, which are air-tight metal chambers used by miners as lifesaving havens when trapped underground. To read more, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/OsineD]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:00:44 GMT
CCP's Deputy Manager Brent Jett explains how the program is operating a little differently than the space agency's traditional programs and why it's so important to get American crews to the space station in an "In Their Own Words" video. To watch, just copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/VyuOoj]]> Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:08:50 GMT
In its Integrated Systems Review (ISR), Boeing presented the latest designs of its CST-100 spacecraft, United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket launch system, and ground and mission operations. These designs will serve as the baseline for further development work to be accomplished during CCiCap. The company also discussed its plans for safety and mission assurance, which ultimately will contribute to achieving certification of the system for human spaceflight.

To read more about the review and the role NASA technical experts are continuing to play, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/RWLl5i]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:25:41 GMT
To watch the video, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Sh0N8j]]> Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:48:52 GMT
During the first phase, companies will provide data related to the development of their Crew Transportation System (CTS) design, including a spacecraft, launch vehicle, ground and mission operations and recovery. This will enable NASA to assess and approve the design meets the agency's required standards and safety requirements before it could be approved to fly NASA astronauts to the space station.

To read more about the request and the second phase, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/Nq7d8v]]> Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:15:10 GMT
Also joining the commercial panel will be Ed Mango, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program; John Mulholland, vice president and program manager of Boeing's Commercial Programs; Garrett Reisman, manager of SpaceX's Commercial Crew Project; and Jim Voss, vice president of Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Exploration Systems Space System Group.

Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada Corporation now are funded through the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. Through CCiCap, NASA is stimulating the private sector to develop and demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities that could ultimately lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for both commercial and government customers.

SpaceX recently completed its COTS partnership with NASA and is gearing up for its first of 12 Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) missions to the International Space Station aboard the company's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon.

Tune in to the panel discussion live by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://www.livestream.com/aiaa]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:24:30 GMT
Download, print and hang your CCiCap posters up around your office and at home to help support one of the agency's human spaceflight programs. Just copy and paste the links below into your Web browser.

Boeing: http://go.nasa.gov/QgnFEq
Sierra Nevada Corporation: http://go.nasa.gov/Qgo1Lj
SpaceX: http://go.nasa.gov/Qgo8GG

Through innovation and collaboration with industry partners, CCP is working to ensure American astronauts have a safe, affordable and reliable ride to and from the International Space Station for years to come.]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:16:53 GMT
The test was part of Boeing's work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2). Read more about the forward heat shield jettison test by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/RqJ4yU]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:22:07 GMT
Part of the success, Jett said, is directly related to the unique and complementary skills of the Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center teams supporting the program. Learn more about the teamwork involved in NASA's commercial crew efforts and the agency's newest partnerships under the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative by watching the interview. Just copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/P9eElE

Have any questions about the space station, NASA's ultimate destination for commercial crew transportation vehicles? Ask them on Twitter via @NASA_Johnson and include the hashtag #askStation.]]> Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:16:16 GMT
During his tour, Bolden announced Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) is scheduled to launch the first of its 12 contracted cargo flights to the space station from Cape Canaveral this October under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) Program and Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) has conducted its first milestone under the agency's recently announced Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative.

The administrator's common theme was that NASA is investing in American companies and American ingenuity without giving up on its ambitious desires to further explore our solar system.

To learn more about the tour and the strides being made for America's sustainable future in space, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/NLg8Cp]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:35:34 GMT
Bolden announced Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has completed its Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS). SpaceX is scheduled to launch the first of its 12 contracted cargo flights to the space station from Cape Canaveral this October, under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) Program.

Bolden also announced NASA partner Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) has conducted its first milestone under the agency's recently announced Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. The milestone, a program implementation plan review, marks an important first step in SNC's efforts to develop a crew transportation system with its Dream Chaser spacecraft and integrated United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

NASA Partner Manager for SNC Cheryl McPhillips recently discussed that first milestone during an International Space Station commentary interview. Watch the interview by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/PYNQnP

Have any questions about the space station, NASA's ultimate destination for commercial crew transportation vehicles? Ask them on Twitter via @NASA_Johnson and include the hashtag #askStation.]]> Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:02:37 GMT
NASA Partner Manager for SpaceX Derek Hassmann discusses the first milestone SpaceX will meet under CCiCap during an International Space Station commentary interview. Next week, SpaceX will detail for NASA the design and development plans for its rocket and spacecraft, as well as its ground systems and mission operations plans.

Watch the interview by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/NlsgEk

Have any questions about the space station, NASA's ultimate destination for commercial crew transportation vehicles? Ask them on Twitter via @NASA_Johnson and include the hashtag #askStation.]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:43:14 GMT
NASA Partner Manager for Boeing Gennaro Caliendo discusses the first milestone Boeing will meet under CCiCap during an International Space Station commentary interview. Called an Integrated Systems Review, meetings will be held in Houston this week to talk about the company's baseline design and requirements and what improvements are anticipated for the CST-100 moving forward.

Watch the interview by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/O1HJvF

Have any questions about the space station, NASA's ultimate destination for commercial crew transportation vehicles? Ask them on Twitter via @NASA_Johnson and include the hashtag #askStation.]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:27:14 GMT
Mango talked to about 350 space club members and guests about the efforts of NASA and CCP as they work to close the gap of safe, affordable and reliable U.S. commercial crew space transportation capabilities to and from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Carroll discussed the positive impacts the aerospace industry has on Florida and congratulated the agency's newest Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) partners, The Boeing Company, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC), who have plans to operate in the sunshine state.

To watch the two guest speakers, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/PztTSY]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:04:53 GMT
Read more about how Mango sees the U.S. tapping into its innovative spirit to enable safe, affordable and reliable crew transportation to low Earth orbit and how Florida's Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll sees the state playing a role in the future of human spaceflight. Just copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/PoswpY]]> Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:22:59 GMT
Mango discussed the innovative steps NASA is taking with industry partners to develop the next U.S. space transportation capability to and from low Earth orbit, which will eventually be available for use by the U.S. government and other commercial customers.

To see the slides Mango presented, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/676947main_CCP-Space-Club-FINAL.pdf

To learn more about the National Space Club Florida Committee, visit http://www.nscfl.org/.]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:31:57 GMT
The agency's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is facilitating the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and low Earth orbit. In order to eventually certify these systems for space station missions, CCP will take a two-phase approach to see that commercial missions are held to the same safety standards as government human space transportation system missions.

To learn why certification efforts are now under way and more about the two phases, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/PgWb4s]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:16:27 GMT
Operating with funded Space Act Agreements (SAAs), Sierra Nevada Corp., SpaceX and Boeing will spend the next 21 months completing designs, conducting critical risk reduction testing on their spacecraft and launch vehicles, and showcasing how they would operate and manage missions from launch through orbit and landing.

Read more about the integrated systems the selected companies are working on and how they plan to utilize the sunshine state's unique facilities by copying and pasting this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/P2NP03]]> Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:04:15 GMT
Boeing will receive up to $460 million to continue the development of its CST-100 spacecraft. The company partnered with United Launch Alliance to launch the CST-100 atop an Atlas V rocket.
Watch the Boeing CCiCap video here: http://go.nasa.gov/NeCQxd

Sierra Nevada Corp. will receive up to $212.5 million to further advance its Dream Chaser spacecraft, which resembles NASA's space shuttle but is smaller and based on improvements to the agency's HL-20 lifting-body design. It too will launch atop an Atlas V.
Watch the SNC CCiCap video here: http://go.nasa.gov/NeCJlb

SpaceX will receive up to $440 million for its crewed Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket combination.
Watch the SpaceX CCiCap video here: http://go.nasa.gov/NeCOW6

Operating under funded Space Act Agreements (SAAs), the selected companies will spend the next 21 months completing designs, conducting critical risk reduction testing on their spacecraft and launch vehicles, and showcasing how they would operate and manage missions from launch through orbit and landing.

For more information about NASA's CCiCap initiative, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.]]> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:02:55 GMT
To learn more about the goal of CCiCap and the briefing participants, copy and paste this link into your Web browser: http://go.nasa.gov/OBTtnK.

To tune into the announcement on the Web, visit www.nasa.gov/ntv.]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:58:42 GMT
Later this week, the center will host a two-day NASA Social for 50 of its social media followers to gain a unique perspective into Kennedy's 50 years of launching humans and machines into low Earth orbit and to other planets. They will be treated to speakers from Kennedy's past, present and future, and tour the historical launch pads of NASA's early days through the present-day facilities that supported the Space Shuttle Program and Kennedy's transition to the future.

Follow along on Twitter Thursday, Aug. 2, and Friday, Aug. 3, with the hashtags #NASASocial and #NASAKennedy. Or, tune in live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-ksc.

To learn more about Kennedy's history, visit http://go.nasa.gov/y0VdRi.]]> Tue, 31 Jul 2012 15:09:34 GMT
From 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., Thursday, July 26, CCP Program Manager Ed Mango will be joined by NASA Partner Manager for SpaceX Jon Cowart, NASA Deputy Partner Manager for Boeing Bob Dempsey, NASA Partner Manager for Blue Origin Bill Lane, and NASA Partner Manager for Sierra Nevada Corp. Valin Thorn at the show's Honda Forum Pavilion No. 7 to talk about the progress being made with NASA's current industry partners.

The goal of CCP is to help U.S. industry develop space transportation systems that can safely launch astronauts to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station, where scientific discoveries and breakthroughs will benefit all of humanity. NASA's other pathway to space is the development of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS), a crew capsule and heavy-lift rocket, that will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration of deep space. Designed to be flexible for launching crew and cargo missions, Orion and SLS will expand human presence beyond Earth and enable new missions of exploration across the solar system.

For more information about the air show, go to http://www.airventure.org. For more information about NASA's human spaceflight programs, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration.]]> Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:59:52 GMT
Check out a photo of Juan Calero, an electrical engineer for CCP, as he talks to aviation enthusiasts about the commercial spacecraft and rockets currently under development in collaboration with NASA. Just copy and paste this link in your Web browser: pic.twitter.com/TJBhX7yn

CCP's program manager, Ed Mango, will take the stage at the air show on Thursday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m., to talk about the innovative partnerships NASA has developed with U.S. industry to develop space transportation systems that can safely launch astronauts to the International Space Station and other low Earth orbit destinations.

For more information about the air show, go to http://www.airventure.org.]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:13:50 GMT
ULA is one of several companies working to develop crew transportation capabilities under the Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). Through CCDev2, NASA is helping the private sector develop and test new spacecraft and rockets with the goal of making commercial human spaceflight services available to commercial and government customers.

To read more details about the review, visit http://go.nasa.gov/MuygMo]]> Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:45:41 GMT
The Liberty vehicle passed a Program Status Review (PSR) to complete the final milestone under the agreement. During the review, the Liberty team presented NASA with detailed progress of the program, including integrated master schedule, design analysis cycle status, system requirements, software status, flight test plan, system safety review, ground processing certification plan and schedule for initial operation capability.

To read more details about the review, visit http://go.nasa.gov/NvumSV]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:59:21 GMT
To read more and to see photos of the Commercial Space Initiatives panel that Kennedy Space Center hosted for the students, go to http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/isu_commercial.html.]]> Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:18:18 GMT


The purpose of the concept baseline review (CBR), conducted at SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, Calif., on June 14 was to present NASA the design elements of the crewed version of its Dragon capsule, which recently made history as the first privately built spacecraft to rendezvous and then berth with the space station for the agency's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program.



To read more details about the review, visit: http://go.nasa.gov/PPL4kv.]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:45:45 GMT
SNC also tested the spacecraft's main landing gear earlier this year. This nose landing gear test completes the milestones leading up to the upcoming approach and landing test, which will complete the company's CCDev2 partnership with NASA.

To read more about SNC's Dream Chaser spacecraft and the gear test, and to see an artist's concept of the vehicle landing on a traditional runway, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/snc_landing_gear.html.]]> Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:22:30 GMT
To read more and to see an artist's conception of the company's spacecraft, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/eai_spaceact_complete.html.]]> Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:33:32 GMT


Low-Res (5.37 MB): http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/637052main_CCP_SameCrewNewRidePoster_8.25x11_508.pdf

Hi-Res (36.5 MB): http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/636578main_CCP_SameCrewNewRidePoster_24x32_508.pdf]]> Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:34:33 GMT
To read more and to see a photo of the OMAC testing, which took place at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, N.M., June 18-21, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/pwr_omac.html.

Boeing is one of several companies working to develop crew transportation capabilities to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Earlier this year, Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne also demonstrated the launch abort engine that will be used for the CST-100 spacecraft.]]> Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:53:21 GMT
ATK's Liberty Launch Vehicle: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146949401
Boeing's CST-100 crew capsule: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146878321
Sierra Nevada Corp.'s Dream Chaser spacecraft: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146879851
SpaceX's Dragon capsule: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146881031
ULA's Atlas V rocket: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=146882391]]> Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:12:19 GMT
Watch the team and the engine in action at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=79591&media_id=146725741.

Boeing's CST-100 is a reusable, capsule-shaped spacecraft designed to take up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo, to low Earth orbit, including the International Space Station. Its service module and integrated launch abort propulsion system are designed to push the crew capsule to safety if an abort becomes necessary during launch or ascent. If an abort is not necessary, the system's propellant could be used for other portions of a mission, including re-boosting the orbit of the space station.]]> Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:16:22 GMT
To learn more about the meetings NASA's Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) partners are hosting and the solutions that come out of the meetings, go to http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/techmeetings.html.]]> Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:22:35 GMT Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:08:06 GMT
The two teams joined forces to update the agency's HL-20 lifting body vehicle design into Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle. The partnership is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) agreement with the agency's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). Langley engineers devised a development plan for the HL-20 in the 1980s and '90s, creating pilot landing scenarios in simulators, testing designs in wind tunnels and even building a full-scale model with the help of universities to study crew challenges.

The teams also are collaborating with engineers at United Launch Alliance, which are set to manufacture Dream Chaser's initial launch vehicle, the Atlas V rocket, to perform buffet tests on the launch vehicle and orbital crew vehicle stack. Testing recently completed in Langley's Transonic Dynamics Tunnel evaluated the pressure fluctuations the stack may experience during its ascent to low Earth orbit.

SNC is one of several companies working to develop commercial crew transportation capabilities under CCDev2, an effort being led by NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and supported by NASA technical experts across the agency, including Langley.]]> Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:14:05 GMT
The fact sheet outlines which Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) companies are developing rockets and which are developing spacecraft, the capabilities of each system, and what milestones are being met to prove these systems could one day be capable of transporting astronauts to and from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP).]]> Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:29:52 GMT
During this Preliminary Design Review (PDR), the company reviewed its entire orbital flight program, including the Dream Chaser spacecraft, and associated mission and ground systems. It also reviewed the spacecraft's compatibility with its initial launch vehicle, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. SNC now has completed 17 milestones during its partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

The Dream Chaser is designed to carry as many as seven astronauts to space. It is the only spacecraft under Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) that uses wings and is designed to land on a conventional runway.]]> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:16:10 GMT Tue, 05 Jun 2012 07:00:15 GMT
The review, held May 15 and 16, assessed the Space Vehicle's ability to meet safety and mission requirements, and evaluated the technical readiness of the design, the concept of operations, the feasibility of project development plans, and planned verification activities. The review also included results from recently completed wind tunnel tests of the biconic shape, validating the vehicle's aerodynamic design, stability and cross-range. Representatives from Blue Origin, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration participated in the review, which was conducted at the company's design and development facility in Kent, Wash.

Blue Origin is one of several companies working to develop commercial crew transportation capabilities under the Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which is helping spur innovation and development of new spacecraft and launch vehicles from the commercial industry.

For images from the company's wind tunnel tests, go to http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=242.]]> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:50:14 GMT
The captive-carry test marks the completion of another milestone for the Dream Chaser Space System as part of the Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

SNC is one of seven companies working to develop commercial crew transportation capabilities to ferry U.S. astronauts to and from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser is designed to carry as many as seven astronauts to space, and is the only spacecraft under CCDev2 that incorporates wings and is designed to land on a conventional runway.

For more about the test, go to http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/snc_captivecarry.html.]]> Thu, 31 May 2012 13:11:29 GMT
With this Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of its software on May 18, the company now has completed more than 40 milestones during its partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) during two phases of development, called CCDev1 and CCDev2.

Boeing's CST-100 is designed to be a reusable, capsule-shaped spacecraft capable of transporting up to seven people or a combination of people and cargo. Software is essential to all operational aspects of the spacecraft, including launch, orbital maneuvering, docking with and separating from the space station, re-entry and landing.]]> Thu, 24 May 2012 18:29:40 GMT Wed, 23 May 2012 17:56:36 GMT
The successful launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon capsule, at 3:44 a.m. EDT on May 22 from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is a first step in an important milestone for the space agency as it turns to the private sector to re-supply the International Space Station. As a demonstration mission for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program, the spacecraft is planned to approach the station for the first time on Thursday. If that day's series of tests go well, Dragon will berth at the station Friday and hatches will be opened Saturday, marking the first time a commercial company has attempted this feat.]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 13:55:46 GMT
Called the Dream Chaser Cockpit Based Simulator, it consists of a physical cockpit and integrated simulation hardware and software. The company built the simulator last year at its Space Systems facility in Louisville, Colo., for a milestone under Commercial Crew Development Round 2, or CCDev2. The simulator is linked to the Vehicle Avionics Integration Laboratory, or VAIL, which serves as a platform for Dream Chaser avionics development, engineering testing and integration. VAIL also will also be used for verification and validation of avionics and software.

NASA engineers performed similar testing for NASA's space shuttles in a simulator called the Shuttle Avionics Integration Lab, or SAIL, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. It was the only facility in the Space Shuttle Program where actual hardware and flight software could be integrated and tested in a simulated flight environment before those changes were implemented on the shuttle.

For a photo of the Dream Chaser Cockpit Based Simulator, go to http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=59507.

Under CCDev2, Sierra Nevada and NASA are working to advance the company's reusable lifting-body spacecraft. In addition to the Dream Chaser being the only winged craft under CCDev2, it also is the only vehicle designed to land on a conventional runway. Currently, the company is preparing for a captive carry test of a full-scale Dream Chaser prototype to analyze the vehicle's approach and landing performance this summer.]]> Mon, 21 May 2012 18:37:45 GMT
Participants included Ed Mango, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program; Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX; Scott Colloredo, manager of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program; Jose Nunez, acting strategic manager for International Space Station operations at Kennedy; and Todd Arnold, acting deputy director of Kennedy Public Affairs.

The panelists' message was that all of NASA's programs are complementary to each other for carrying on America's space exploration goals. You can view the event at http://youtu.be/jjutZLmKchs or read more about what the NASA Social folks were talking about on Twitter at http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_NASAsocial.html.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket was targeted to lift off at 4:55 a.m. EDT on May 19, in an attempt to become the first commercial company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station. The launch was aborted just before liftoff and SpaceX teams are assessing a new launch date and time. For more on the COTS mission, go to www.nasa.gov/spacex.]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 22:44:43 GMT Fri, 18 May 2012 19:41:00 GMT
Sierra Nevada Corp.'s Dream Chaser model, attached to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket model, is undergoing final preparations at the Aerospace Composite Model Development Section's workshop for buffet tests at the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. The scale model is being tested as part of the company's partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to regain the American capability to launch astronauts safely to the International Space Station. The lifting body reusable spacecraft is being designed to carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station.]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 14:01:30 GMT Thu, 10 May 2012 07:09:47 GMT


To learn more about Dragon's interior, which astronauts climbed aboard and what type of assessments they performed, go to http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/dragon_accomm2.html.]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 20:00:51 GMT Fri, 04 May 2012 03:09:48 GMT
Learn more about the goals of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and what they mean for you at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=142392451.]]> Thu, 03 May 2012 05:35:01 GMT
We've published a re-cap of the question-and-answer session, all in 140 characters or less, from the live event at http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/tweetchat.html.

Thanks for joining us and if you want to learn more about the program, check back here for updates, photos, videos and feature stories, or follow along at www.twitter.com/commercial_crew or www.facebook.com/nasacommercialcrew.]]> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:16:13 GMT
Tune in live at www.twitter.com/commercial_crew and ask some questions, or just follow along to learn more about the agency's efforts to get astronauts to the International Space Station aboard American rockets and spacecraft. Send your questions to #AskCCP.

Want to know more about Mango before asking him questions? Read his biography at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/mango.html or watch an "In Their Own Words" video at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=79591.]]> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:53:39 GMT
Under the second round of development for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, several companies are moving their LAS concepts forward with agency funding. Boeing and engine-maker Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne successfully tested the Bantam abort engine that is the basis of a pusher escape system. Sierra Nevada Corp. and Blue Origin also anticipate using pusher systems while Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) plans on incorporating escape engines into the side walls of its spacecraft.

NASA is working under unfunded Space Act Agreements with three companies, including United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is determining what will be necessary to make its Atlas V rocket acceptable to launch people. Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and Excalibur Almaz Inc. also are working with NASA through unfunded agreements.

Commercial U.S. spacecraft are not expected to venture into space with people on board until the middle of the decade or so, but there is plenty of work for designers as they refine their launch abort strategies.

To learn more about what it takes to design systems that dramatically affect the safety of launching, watch the LAS video at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=141680731 or read the story at http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/LASdevelopment.html.]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:34:11 GMT
Boeing is developing its CST-100 in cooperation with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) as part of the agency's effort to cultivate commercial crew transportation capabilities that will ferry U.S. astronauts to and from the International Space Station, reducing the amount of time America is without its own system.

The CST-100 is a reusable capsule-shaped spacecraft designed to transport up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo, to low Earth orbit.

Under the Space Act Agreement, the MOD will work with Boeing on integrating launch operations and the company's mission control facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with training and real-time operations at Johnson.]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:33:19 GMT Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:01:07 GMT