Commercial Space Transportation

Boeing’s Starliner:  Boeing starts assembly of 1st flightworthy Starliner crew taxi vehicle at Kennedy spaceport 

Coming together at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner could begin transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station in early 2018. The program is part of NASA’s strategy to focus on human deep space exploration, while turning over low Earth orbit activities to the U.S. commercial sector.  (See also:  http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2016/07/26/boeing-shows-off-starliner-factory-ksc/87531694/ and Boeing nears fix for CST-100 Starliner design hitch)

SpaceX Gets Second ISS Launch Order:  NASA orders second Space Station ferry ship from SpaceX 

NASA has ordered its second SpaceX post-certification commercial crew mission launch to the International Space Station. The agency had already ordered two launches from Boeing, NASA’s second provider, using the company’s CST-100 Starliner. The new order satisfies the NASA Commercial Crew Transportation Capability program minimum order pledge, though orders of four more missions each from Boeing and SpaceX are possible under the agreement.

Astronauts Look Forward to Commercial Crew Launches:  Astronauts look forward to Florida launches 

By the end of this year, NASA may be ready to name the first crew to fly on new Boeing and SpaceX launch vehicles launched from Florida aboard the CST-100 Starliner and crewed Dragon spacecraft developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Those preparing for test flights include astronauts Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley, Eric Boe and Sunita Williams. 

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.