NASA will “space taxis” built by Boeing and SpaceX – elEconomista.es

<- Google_ad_section_start (name = noticia_titulo, weight = high) -> Reuters / EP <- - google_ad_section_end (name = noticia_titulo)> | 09/17/2014 – 2:53 Updated: 8:59 – 17/09/14

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NASA will partner with companies Boeing and SpaceX to build “space taxis” to carry astronauts to the International Space Station, which would allow the United States to stop relying on Russia for their movements, as reported by American officials Tuesday

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NASA will partner with companies Boeing and SpaceX to build “space taxis” to carry astronauts to the International Space Station , which allow the United States to stop relying on Russia for their movements, as reported by American officials Tuesday.

The United States space agency also considered an offer from the company Sierra Nevada Corp, but decided on Boeing and SpaceX for these contracts, which have a combined value of 6,800 million. This money should develop, certify and launch into space capsules for seven people.

Boeing won a contract of $ 4,200 million and 2,600 SpaceX million. The Company SpaceX is run by entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is also the executive chairman of the manufacturer of electric cars Tesla Motors.

“SpaceX is deeply honored by the confidence that NASA has placed in us,” Musk said, adding that it is “a key step” in a journey that ultimately will take us to the stars and “make humanity one multi-planetary species.”

Boeing and SpaceX should be ready for commercial flights in 2017, according to Kathy added Leuders, manager of NASA’s commercial crew programs. The official said the contracts with the two companies have the same requirements.

“The companies proposed the value that could do the job and the government accepted it,” said Leuders in a conference call with reporters. The contract is renewed urgency after the escalation of tension with Russia over the annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.

When transporting astronauts directly from the United States, NASA could end the Russian monopoly transport space crew.

U.S. agency pays $ 70 million for each person carried in the Soyuz capsule, the only flights available to astronauts from the shuttle fleet retired special in 2011.

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