NASA selects SpaceX to send astronauts into space

Written by: William Atkins | Published in: SpaceThe rocket that will send humans into space further than anyone has gone before (to asteroids, Mars, and beyond) has passed a major NASA review, as announced on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

The spacecraft – Dragon -- being developed by SpaceX is one of the best commercial chances (maybe the best!) for NASA to be able to once again send astronauts back and forth into space. The American space transport company just released pictures and descriptions of the interior of its space capsule. Look inside of Dragon for the future of U.S. manned space transport.

Written by: William Atkins | Published in: SpaceOn Sunday, October 7, 2012, the SpaceX Dragon space capsule was launched toward the International Space Station aboard its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch phase had one abnormality but the Dragon spacecraft was still able to complete its trip into space and it is now speeding toward its goal, rendezvous and docking with the ISS.

NASA announced on October 3, 2011, that in early November it will begin the process to find new astronauts to support its Expedition missions to the International Space Station and future missions to the inner solar system. This latest group of astronauts will be NASA Group 21.

According to a NASA announcement made on Monday, July 18, 2011, United Launch Alliance (UAL) will look into the possibility of launching astronauts into space with its Atlas V rocket.

With Obama and Congress still unsure about how NASA should proceed with its manned space program, NASA continues with privately funded companies as a way to transport cargo and astronauts back and forth into space. As of April 2010, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is preparing for its maiden launch from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 30.  

Written by: William Atkins | Published in: SpaceFor you skeptics out there, here's additional proof that the American space program did land astronauts on the Moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Pictures of the American flags placed on the Moon by the NASA astronauts are still upright on the lunar surface.

With NASA running out of space shuttle missions, there is a much reduced need for active astronauts at the Johnson Space Center. Consequently, many are leaving the U.S. space agency for other employment or retirement.

Written by: William Atkins | Published in: SpaceThe first NASA Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station is scheduled for Sunday, October 7, 2012. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft has this honor!