SpaceX: First Private Space Company to send NASA astronauts to space
The SpaceX has become the first private rocket company to send astronauts to space. The company sent Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to space initiating a new business model for NASA.
According to the US Government, the mission will end the reliance of NASA on Russian space rockets.
Why is a private Space Company hired?
NASA had plans to hand over the transport of crew to the space since 2000s. This decision came up after the Columbia Space Shuttle broke up while returning to the earth in 2003. In order to make space programmes such as transfer of crew and food to the International Space Station affordable; the step has been taken.
SpaceX was the first private company in the world to return rockets back to the earth. Usually the rockets burn away after putting the satellites on their orbit or simply get thrown away to the space adding up space debris.
SpaceX was actively involved in delivering cargo to the International Space Station.
The US-Russia Factor
NASA has been paying millions of dollars to Russia to launch its astronauts. This is the first launch of humans by the US in the decade.
The Spacecraft that is transporting the Astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) is called Crew Dragon. The Crew Dragon is capable of carrying seven passengers. The Crew Dragon will return the astronauts after their tasks associated with the ISS is complete. The Crew Dragon is to parachute down into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Suits worn by the astronauts are called the Starman suits. They are designed only to be worn inside Crew Dragon and are not meant for spacewalks.