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NASA Sets Clear Prices for Crew and Cargo Transport Missions
In a new document released by NASA, clear prices have been assigned for crew and cargo transport missions. By the year 2030, it is estimated that a four-seater passenger flight will cost $325 million, while a cargo flight will cost $300 million. The move to offer funding for these initial flights is a significant relief for commercial space station providers who are already grappling with the challenges of building, testing, and launching orbiting space stations.
Industry Response to NASA’s New Document
Since the release of the new document, potential bidders have been carefully reviewing the detailed proposals. Some key players in the industry have shared their initial thoughts on the announcement. Marshall Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Voyager Space Station Starlab, expressed gratitude for NASA’s incorporation of feedback from both industry and government. “We believe Star Lab has a strong business plan and technical solutions to become America’s next space station, and we are eager to compete,” Smith stated.
Axiom Space also welcomed the news of the final Request for Proposal (RFP) from NASA. An Axiom Space spokesperson mentioned that their team is actively reviewing the RFP and is dedicated to taking the necessary steps in the process. With expertise in executing human spaceflight missions and developing orbital hardware, Axiom Space is confident that their proposal will position them as the ideal choice to meet NASA’s objectives in low Earth orbit.
Additionally, Vasto expressed readiness to participate in the competition and vie for the opportunity to construct a commercial successor to the International Space Station (ISS). A company spokesperson stated, “We are prepared to compete for the chance to build a multi-module station capable of sustaining continuous human presence. Our integration with Haven-1 is nearing completion, and we are committed to advancing towards this goal.”
Source: arstechnica.com
