NASA to Launch Two New Spacecraft from US Soil

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that two spacecraft will be launched from the United States for the first time in seven years. In 2011, NASA retired its space shuttles, citing costs and aging spacecraft as the main reasons. Since then, American astronauts have been sent to space on board the Russian Soyuz /SAW-yooz/ spacecraft, where an individual seat costs over $80 million. The two spacecraft, the CST-100 Starliner and Crew Dragon, were developed by private companies Boeing and SpaceX, respectively. In 2012, Crew Dragon became the first spacecraft made by a private organization to bring cargo to the International Space Station. SpaceX upgraded it, so it now includes an advanced emergency escape system that can carry astronauts to safety. The Boeing Starliner, on the other hand, has similarities with the famous Apollo spacecraft but with enhanced features. It can be docked autonomously, requiring less training for astronauts. The first nine astronauts to fly on the spacecraft have been named, and they consist of both seasoned astronauts and novices. This launch is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which involved American aerospace companies in creating spacecraft and launch systems. Boeing and SpaceX won the contract back in 2014, and both split the $6.8 billion grant. Both Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon will be launched in 2019 from Florida, not from Kazakhstan where the Russian Soyuz spacecraft launches. NASA expressed excitement, saying that the launch will be historic because it involves commercial partners. This milestone can also end America’s dependency on Russia for spaceflight.