Commercial Space Transportation

Starliner Progress:  Starliner moves closer to crucial pad abort test

Major components of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner are coming together at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to support critical flight tests in late 2017. The Starliner is in development to transport NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Crewed launches are planned in 2018.

Antares Rocket:  Re-engined Antares rocket completes ground test firing 

Orbital ATK test fired the first stage of its upgraded Antares rocket Tuesday at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Virginia’s eastern shore. The Dulles, Va.,  based company is preparing to resume NASA contracted resupply missions to the International Space Station from the launch complex, following an October 2014 launch mishap that prompted new rocket engines for Antares and a rebuilding of the launch pad.

Citizens for Space Exploration – a pro-space, taxpayer, grassroots advocacy group (http://www.bayareahouston.com/content/c_s_e/c_s_e) – has traveled to Washington, D.C. the past 24 years to meet face-to-face with Members/staff of Congress to discuss the value of America’s investment in space exploration. In order to sustain that dialogue on a regular basis, Citizens distributes “Space Exploration Update” to Congressional offices on a weekly basis. The intent is to provide an easy, quick way to stay abreast of key human space exploration program and policy developments.