Not only is Boeing looking to replace the space shuttle with its new Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) program, but it's also hoping that this new "space taxi" will someday carry commercial passengers to space.
When NASA's space shuttle program retired in 2011, American astronauts were left with no way of transport to and from the International Space Station, except by Russian spacecraft. Considering tensions are now high between the two countries, thanks to Russia's takeover of the Crimea region of Ukraine, NASA is looking for new options.
Boeing is one of four companies creating the next generation of space vehicles for NASA. However, Boeing, is the first company to complete a review of its designs. NASA is currently looking over Boeing's data for the spacecraft, the CST-100, and determining if its program is a success. This step is necessary for Boeing to complete the final design for their space vehicle.
"The challenge of a CDR is to ensure all the pieces and sub-systems are working together," says Boeing Commercial Crew program manager John Mulholland. "Integration of these systems is key. Now we look forward to bringing the CST-100 to life."
Boeing believes the spacecraft will be complete in time for flight tests in 2017.
However, there is one downside to Boeing's design. The company is using the Atlas 5 rocket, which has a Russian-built engine, for its launch. This has raised concerns, giving the tensions between the U.S. and Russia. Boeing, however, stressed that their module was compatible with other launch vehicles, although it would need some small modifications.
Boeing hopes that the CST-100 will also be a leader in commercial space flight.
"We are moving into a truly commercial space market and we have to consider our potential customers - beyond Nasa - and what they need in a future commercial spacecraft interior," says Chris Ferguson, Boeing director of Crew and Mission Operations for CCiCap.
The age of commercial space flight began in 2012 when SpaceX's Dragon capsule docked at the ISS. However, its origins began in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed the Commercial Space Launch Act, which allowed private companies to work with NASA on space technology. In 1990, the Launch Services Purchase Act, actually ordered NASA to use commercial companies for launch technology.
The future of commercial space travel is bright, with companies like Virgin Atlantic selling tickets to the public for flights into space and Mars One offering volunteers one-way tickets to colonize Mars. Other companies are sure to follow suit.
