On January 9th SpaceX stated that they will launch US astronauts into space in 2015.
“We want to know when commercial companies are ready to fly their crew at their own risk,” said Ed Mango, manager of NASA’s commercial-crew program.
SpaceX will not be launching NASA astronauts into space. They will be launching their own private astronauts aboard their Dragon capsule that will sit atop a Falcon 9 rocket. With this launch, SpaceX will demonstrate to NASA that their Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 are ready for human space flight without putting NASA astronauts at risk.
SpaceX has a lot of work to do and a small window of time to do it in. This includes finishing the SuperDraco Vehicle safety system. (see video above)
The astronauts will stay in space a total of 3 days but will not dock with the international space station.
SpaceX is beginning internal discussions about who will take part in this historic flight.
Will Elon Musk take the journey into space to prove that the SpaceX Dragon Capsule is and Falcon 9 are worthy? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Given SpaceX’s recent success, I would find it hard to bet against the company. At worst, their schedule may slip a year, but I think we’re going to see astronauts going to space from American soil in 2015.
Let’s hope. The cost of outsourcing these launches overseas is a pain in the *** and a total loss of internal capital.
Re-investing in local launch sources is good in every way for us.