The International Space Station is likely to accept more amateur astronauts who are willing to pay a hefty price for a trip to space. Two more private missions to the International Space Station are being requested by NASA.
NASA wants the space industry to submit proposals for the third and fourth commercial flights to the International Space Station. The first all-private crew went to the International Space Station in April, where they lived and worked in the microgravity environment. The second private mission to the International Space Station was selected by NASA and will launch in the second quarter of 2023.
NASA seems to be looking elsewhere when it comes to private trips to the space station. The space agency gave a poor rating to the proposal from Axiom Space.
Two new missions to the space station could last up to 14 days. The space agency wants the private sector to lead a robust low-Earth economy. "We recognize the importance of NASA's continued support, and are dedicated to working with industry to identify areas where our expertise and unique capabilities support expansion." These provide a unique opportunity for industry to gain critical experience needed to select, train, and manage crews on future commercial low-Earthorbit destinations, as well as work with new science partners, future commercial partners and grow this non-traditional market.
NASA admitted to having learned some important lessons from private trips to the International Space Station. The space agency updated its rules for private astronauts going into space. All future missions will be led by a former NASA astronauts, who will serve as the mission commander. Michael Lpez-Alegra was the leader of the first one, while the second one will be led by the same person.
NASA stipulated in its call for proposals that the maximum number of crew members per mission should not exceed four and that any mission concept that involves spacewalks will not be accepted. The first spacewalk to be performed by a commercial crew may be carried out by the all-private Polaris Dawn crew. The upcoming private missions to the International Space Station must go on a U.S. commercial spaceship. There is only one company authorized to transport astronauts to the International Space Station right now.
If space companies want to cash in on the growing market for low Earth orbital trips, they need to submit their proposal to NASA by October 27.
The Russian cosmonaut was forced to abandon the spacewalk due to the power malfunction of his suit.
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