Commercial Space Transportation

Human Space Exploration Update (August 14-30, 2017)

Dream Chaser Update:  Dream Chaser prepares for captive carry test; completes runway tow tests  Sierra Nevada’s mini Dream Chaser space plane is preparing for helicopter borne captive carry tests, following a series of runway tow tests at Edwards Air Base, California, earlier this month. The uncrewed Dream Chaser is one of three spacecraft chosen by NASA for the resupply of the International Space Station under a second round of contracts that go into effect no earlier than 2019.  Sierra will join Orbital ATK and SpaceX in carrying out the future cargo missions.

Commercial Crew Program Schedule:  SpaceX confident commercial crew flights in one year  A SpaceX official expressed optimism the company could be launching astronauts to the International Space Station by this time next year through its partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. (See also: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/spacex-boeing-home-stretch-commercial-crew-readiness/)

Space Suits:  Elon Musk posts first photo of SpaceX’s new spacesuit  SpaceX has unveiled its spacesuit for astronauts assigned to Falcon 9/Dragon missions contracted by NASA to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

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.