If the tests are successful, the space agency will start using private ships for flights to the ISS. For NASA, contracts with private companies have become a condition for survival, as the agency's own developments are progressing slowly and not very efficiently.

In total, from 2019 to 2024, Boeing and SpaceX will make at least 6 manned flights to the space station, reports NASA in his blog. The first tests of space technology private traders will be held this year. Companies will conduct test launches at the sites of the Cosmic Coast in Florida. This area is home to the main NASA launch sites, including the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base.

In 2018, NASA will test the work and safety of space systems Boeing and SpaceX. If the equipment meets the requirements, the space agency will issue a certificate for manned launches to private traders.

Deliver astronauts to the ISS will be ships Starliner from Boeing, which will be launched using the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, as well as space trucks Crew Dragon from SpaceX - the Falcon 9 missile.

Since 2003, NASA has been using the services of Russian space taxis. American astronauts flew to the ISS on Soyuz. However, the agency has repeatedly said about plans to abandon Russian services and become autonomous. In its publication, NASA notes that it is Boeing and SpaceX that will help the US again conduct manned launches.

The agency described in detail, what tests will be conducted by both companies in 2018. So, Boeing will test the operation of engines, parachutes and key systems of a rocket and a spacecraft, and also will prepare a launch pad for manned missions.

SpaceX also prepares for launches. In the development of the company Ilona Mask is six ships Crew Dragon. Also SpaceX is working on space suits for astronauts, Draco and SuperDraco. The first demonstration flight to the ISS in manned mode the company will make in the second quarter of 2018.

In late November, it became known that NASA plans to increase security requirements for the ships SpaceX and Boeing. The agency will conduct its own inspections to reduce risks when launching ships. In addition, companies should reduce the statistical probability of accidents to one case by 270 flights, which is 4 times less than has been established so far.

The laws in force in the US are also not on the side of private traders, but this situation may soon change. NASA has already made its first concessions and at the end of last year for the first time allowed SpaceX to deliver cargoes to the ISS using the already flown rocket and space truck.

Source: High Tech.