NASA seeks proposals from commercial companies for two new private crewed missions to ISS

On Friday, June 11,  National Aeronautics and Administration (NASA), U.S.A has sought proposals from commercial companies for two new private crewed missions to International Station. first mission would likely take place between fall of 2022 and mid-2023, first mission is expected to take place, and  second one would happen between mid-2023 and end of 2023. 

Private Astronaut Mission

Private astronaut missions are dedicated missions that are privately funded, fully commercial flights on a commercial launch vehicle for purpose of enabling tourism, outreach, commercial research, and approved commercial and marketing activities on station. se missions must use U.S. transportation vehicles certified by NASA, such as ones developed by Boeing and X under NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). 

First Private Astronaut Mission of NASA

In early May, NASA and Axiom  signed an order for first private astronaut mission to  International Station to take place earlier than January 2022.  flight, designated as Axiom Mission 1 (Ax-1), will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Center in Florida and travel to International Station. Once dropped, Axiom astronauts are scheduled to spend eight days aboard orbiting laboratory. For private astronauts to conduct in coordination,  NASA and Axiom mission planners will coordinate in-orbit activities with station crew members and flight controllers on ground. 

Axiom President and CEO Michael Suffredini said, “ first private crew to visit International Station is a watershed moment in humanity’s expansion off planet and we are glad to partner with NASA in making it happen. A thriving commercial marketplace in low-Earth orbit begins with expanding access to serious, ntraditional users and that is exactly aim of our private astronaut missions.”

Commercialisation of NASA

As part of NASA's plan to develop a robust and competitive ecomy in low-Earth orbit, it has opened up station for commercial activities, including private astronaut missions.  goal is to achieve this in sectors such as research on effects of environment on humans, techlogy development, and in-flight crew testing. Commercial entities can meet those needs, providing destinations and transportation capabilities. To stimulate demand for commercial human flight services so NASA can be one of many customers in low-Earth orbit, it is important to enabling Ax-1.

(With TechCrunch input)

(Im Credit: AP/UNSPLASH)