Introduction:
NASA and Boeing, along with SpaceX, are collaborating to establish a U.S. commercial capability for astronaut transportation to and from the International Space Station (ISS). This partnership aims to double research output on the ISS, a unique microgravity laboratory that benefits both national interests and global communities.

Johnson Space Center’s Involvement:
Johnson Space Center (JSC) serves as the customer and home for the ISS Program, astronaut training, and expertise in spacecraft design, human health in space, and flight operations. JSC is currently preparing for spacewalks and robotics maneuvers to install the International Docking Adapter, which will connect commercial crew vehicles to the ISS.

NASA’s Goal:
NASA’s long-term objective is to enable human missions to Mars, with commercial crew capabilities serving as a stepping stone to achieving this goal. The retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2004 prompted NASA to seek alternative solutions for astronaut transportation, leading to the development of commercial crew programs.

President Obama’s Role:
President Obama’s leadership in opening low Earth orbit to the private sector and supporting NASA’s efforts has been instrumental in driving progress in commercial crew initiatives.

Benefits of Commercial Crew Programs:
Commercial crew programs stimulate innovation, economic growth, and U.S. leadership in space. They enable breakthroughs in science and technology, fostering a new generation of explorers.

Collaboration with American Industry:
Boeing and SpaceX, as American industry partners, are developing new systems for astronaut transportation to low Earth orbit. This collaboration showcases American ingenuity and expertise in space exploration.

Intertwined Flight Programs:
Parallel flight programs, including Orion and the Space Launch System, are essential for advancing NASA’s journey to Mars. Commercial crew contracts play a critical role in enabling NASA to focus on testing systems and technologies needed for deep space missions.

Extension of the Space Station:
President Obama’s decision to extend the space station’s operation to at least 2024 ensures its continued use as a springboard for research and technology development. This extension facilitates the growth of a commercial market in low-Earth orbit for various activities, including scientific research and cargo/crew transportation.

Message to Astronauts:
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden addressed the astronauts present at the event, highlighting the significance of their contributions to space exploration. He emphasized the unique opportunity they have to be part of history as NASA prepares for ambitious missions, including a year-long ISS increment and concrete steps toward human missions to Mars. Bolden encouraged the astronauts to embrace the challenges and enjoy the incredible experience of being part of the space program.

Overview:
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is a major initiative to develop and utilize commercial spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) from U.S. soil. This program aims to end the U.S.’s reliance on Russian spacecraft for ISS crew transportation and enable further exploration of the solar system, including Mars.

Importance of CCP:
CCP will allow NASA to certify private companies to conduct human spaceflight missions to the ISS. It will double the amount of science research that can be conducted on the ISS during a crew week, increasing from 40 to 80 hours per week. CCP will enable rapid transport of critical cargo to and from the ISS, preserving the zero-gravity effects for research purposes.

Partnership Approach:
NASA has partnered with Boeing and SpaceX to develop their respective crew transportation systems. The contract allows companies to propose their approach to certification and post-certification missions to the ISS. Both companies have committed to flying uncrewed and crewed missions to the ISS.

Certification Milestones:
NASA has set five required certification milestones, but Boeing and SpaceX can add additional milestones to help their funding profile and show progress. Both companies have completed their first certification baseline milestone, which helps NASA understand their long-term certification plans. NASA’s focus is on the day-to-day work with Boeing and SpaceX to ensure they meet safety and performance requirements.

Benefits of CCP:
CCP will end the U.S.’s reliance on Russian spacecraft for ISS crew transportation. It will enable the U.S. to maintain its leadership in human spaceflight and exploration. CCP will stimulate the commercial space industry and create new jobs and opportunities.

Excitement and Anticipation:
NASA and its partners are eagerly awaiting the completion of hardware development and processing facilities to begin flying crews from Florida to the ISS. The successful implementation of CCP will be a significant milestone in NASA’s journey to Mars and beyond.

NASA and Boeing’s Intertwined Programs:
Boeing and NASA’s programs are closely linked, with the International Space Station (ISS) as a backdrop. The International Docking Adapter, recently transferred, will fly on Gwen’s spaceship later this year. Ongoing development of spaceflight hardware and technology, including ISS upgrades, commercial cargo, and the SLS and Orion programs.

Commercial Crew’s Significance:
Commercial crew is crucial for the ISS, reducing transportation costs to low-Earth orbit and enabling NASA’s exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. It marks the beginning of a new industry with potential for significant growth, similar to Boeing’s commercial airplane division.

Boeing’s Historical Perspective and Future Outlook:
Boeing’s history of commercial aviation success, starting with airmail and eventually establishing United Airlines. Boeing’s belief that commercial space vehicles will reach a similar magnitude and size in the company’s second 100 years. The future of commercial space may not be entirely clear, but Boeing is confident in its potential.

Boeing’s Commercial Crew Program:
Boeing is making great progress on their commercial crew program, with the first two milestones completed on schedule. The certification baseline review and the ground segment critical design review have been completed. Construction on the crew access tower on the Atlas V launch pad has begun. OPF-3 at Kennedy Space Center is being remodeled and modernized to serve as the manufacturing facility. Boeing is following a rigorous design process similar to that used for Space Shuttle, Space Station, and other commercial programs. The flight software will be delivered later this summer, and the simulator will be running with flight software and 26 of the 34 flight displays. A pad abort test is scheduled for February 2017, an orbital flight test for April 2017, and the crewed flight test for July 2017. The first services mission is expected to begin in December 2017.

SpaceX’s Commercial Crew Program:
SpaceX is excited to publicly discuss their crew program after a year of quiet development. SpaceX’s goal is to bring crew transport back to American soil.

Reliability Upgrades:
Crew Dragon leverages successful cargo capability with upgrades for increased reliability. Integrated launch abort system provides enhanced safety features and enables fully propulsive landing. Other reliability upgrades are underway for both Falcon 9 and Dragon.

Accomplishments:
Regular operations of Dragon cargo vehicle and numerous successful Falcon 9 missions. Certification baseline review completed in December 2015. Pad abort system build largely completed with innovative technology. Pad abort test scheduled for the next month from Cape Canaveral. In-flight abort test planned later in 2016 to evaluate highest dynamic regime.

Program Timeline:
Uncrewed mission to International Space Station with upgraded crew vehicle in late 2016. Crewed flight scheduled for early 2017, prioritizing reliability and safety.

NASA Partnership:
SpaceX acknowledges the guidance and partnership with NASA in developing crew systems. NASA and international partners value the Commercial Crew Program for enhancing space station science and operational flexibility.

Timeline for Commercial Crew Provider Selection:
NASA plans to select the first provider for commercial crew services by this summer. The initial contract will include a minimum of two missions, with the option for up to six missions in total. The first mission for ATP (Acceptance Test Procedure) will be a Boeing mission, due to lead time requirements for starting services in late 2017 or 2018.

Funding for Boeing and SpaceX:
Boeing has completed two milestones, while SpaceX has completed one milestone, in their respective development contracts. NASA has invested approximately $5 billion in development funding for commercial crew, with an average seat cost of around $58 million per seat over a five-year period.

Future of Commercial Crew:
The future of commercial crew is uncertain, but it is expected to grow significantly. Private companies will play a larger role in launching people into low-Earth orbit, and a variety of individuals, not just NASA astronauts, will travel to low-Earth orbit. The initial commercial crew missions will include a Boeing test pilot and a NASA astronaut, which is common practice for new vehicles undergoing testing.

NASA’s Transition to Deep Space Exploration:
NASA aims to focus on deep space exploration, transitioning low Earth orbit responsibilities to American industry. This decision allows NASA to dedicate resources to deep space missions while leveraging industry expertise for low Earth orbit activities.

Cargo Missions and Resilience:
The success of commercial cargo missions with SpaceX and Orbital Sciences demonstrates the capability and resilience of private companies in space operations. The selection of two providers ensures redundancy and continuity in cargo delivery to the International Space Station (ISS).

2024 as a Horizon Goal:
The target date of 2024 provides a decade for industry to establish a viable low Earth orbit infrastructure. This timeline allows companies to demonstrate their business plans, attract customers, and prove the demand for space-based services.

Private Ownership of Low Earth Orbit:
NASA emphasizes that low Earth orbit belongs to industry, not the government or NASA. The goal is to eventually phase out NASA’s involvement in low Earth orbit operations and transition to a fully commercial infrastructure.

Decommissioning the International Space Station:
NASA plans to decommission the ISS around 2024 or later, once its research potential has been fully utilized. The ISS will be de-orbited, and Bigelow modules may replace some of its functions in low Earth orbit.

Cislunar Space as a Proving Ground:
NASA intends to develop infrastructure in cislunar space, the area between Earth and the moon, as a proving ground for future deep space missions. This infrastructure will support research, technology development, and crew training for future missions to Mars.

Commercial Research on the International Space Station:
The ISS serves as a platform for research that may benefit other industries on Earth. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, are interested in conducting research on bacteria and vaccines in the unique environment of space.

Crew Selection and Training:
NASA plans to select a small group of astronauts to monitor the development of the commercial crew vehicles. These astronauts will gain familiarity with the training programs and vehicles of both SpaceX and Boeing. Final crew selection for the first missions will occur later.

End of Reliance on Russia:
NASA’s transition to commercial crew transportation will end the reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft for access to the ISS. This move reduces dependency on Russia and ensures continued access to the ISS for U.S. astronauts and international partners.

Robust Provider Model:
NASA aims to maintain two robust providers for crew transportation to the ISS. This approach enhances reliability and flexibility by having multiple companies capable of providing these services.

Concerns about Reliance on Russia:
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden expresses his desire to end reliance on Russia for space transportation services after 2017. He emphasizes the importance of SpaceX and Boeing delivering on their promises to fly crew by 2017.

Crew Test Flight Details:
Gwen Shotwell, President of SpaceX, mentions that the company is still determining the composition of its first crew test flight. Initially, the plan was to include only partners and astronauts, but it evolved to potentially involve both NASA and SpaceX crew members.

SpaceX’s Air Force Missions:
Irene Klotz from Reuters asks Gwen Shotwell about SpaceX’s potential involvement in Air Force missions following a recent settlement. Shotwell states that while they did not anticipate a significant number of Air Force missions, they are pleased with the outcome of the discussions.

Average Price per Seat Clarification:
Kathy Leaders, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, explains the $68 million average price per seat. She emphasizes that it is a derived price based on mission pricing and includes cargo costs, not individual pricing.

Mission Control Arrangements:
Gwynne Shotwell discusses SpaceX’s plans for managing mission control during crew operations. SpaceX intends to operate its own control rooms and centers, while maintaining a tight link with NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston.

Optimism about 2016 Commercial Crew Budget:
Administrator Bolden expresses optimism about the 2016 budget for commercial crew, crediting Congress for recognizing its importance. He believes that the President’s proposal for commercial crew will be accepted.

Reusable Vehicles for Crewed Flight:
In response to a Twitter question, it is confirmed that both SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner vehicles are reusable for crewed flight.

NASA and SpaceX Representatives’ Perspectives on Reusable Spacecraft:
John Elbon of Boeing mentioned that the CST-100 capsule is designed for 10 flights, allowing for recovery, refurbishment, and reuse. Gwen Shotwell of SpaceX emphasized the full reusability of their Dragon spacecraft, with a higher design requirement than the CST-100. SpaceX aims to extensively test and reuse their spacecraft, including the pad abort vehicle.

Collaborative Effort Towards Mars Exploration:
Gwen Shotwell expressed her belief that reaching Mars requires a collaborative effort involving various participants and organizations. She emphasized the need for a “village” approach to achieving this ambitious goal.

Commercial Crew Mission to Space Station:
John Elbon outlined the mission operations profile for the commercial crew mission to the space station. The capsule will rendezvous with the station on the first day, stay connected for six months as a lifeboat, and then depart and land within five to six hours. This profile closely resembles that of the Soyuz mission.

Sierra Nevada’s Involvement in the Commercial Crew Program:
Kathy Leaders of NASA stated that Sierra Nevada remains a valued partner in the Commercial Crew Program. Despite their failed GAO challenge, NASA continues to have a space act agreement with Sierra Nevada to mature the design of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The company is expected to conduct a second drop test as part of the ongoing milestone.

SpaceX’s Plans for In-Flight Abort Test:
Gwen Shotwell clarified SpaceX’s intentions for the in-flight abort test. The company initially intended to use a reused first stage, similar to their reusability demonstrations in McGregor. However, the actual test will utilize a first-time flight of that particular vehicle.

NASA’s Relationship with Roscosmos in the Context of Launch America:
Charlie Bolden discussed the evolving relationship between NASA and Roscosmos in light of the Launch America campaign. He acknowledged the initial concerns about Russia’s reliability as a partner but emphasized their improved performance in recent months. Bolden expressed his belief that Roscosmos understands the importance of redundancy and getting crew to orbit.

International Collaboration for Mars Exploration:
Charlie Bolden highlighted the significance of international collaboration in achieving the challenging goal of reaching Mars. He mentioned the European service module’s involvement in the EM-1 mission and the ongoing discussions for future EM missions. Bolden emphasized the need for mixed crews and acknowledged that reaching Mars requires a combined effort from various international partners.

Commercial and International Partnerships in Space Exploration:
Charlie Bolden highlights the increasing involvement of diverse partners in space exploration, including commercial entities, international agencies, academia, and citizen scientists. He emphasizes the significant resources and expertise required for deep space missions, especially to Mars.

Excitement for Beyond Low Earth Orbit Exploration:
Bolden notes the enthusiasm among stakeholders for venturing beyond deep space and low earth orbit into deeper space regions. This sentiment is evident in various meetings and discussions related to space exploration.

Conclusion of the Commercial Crew Program Press Conference:
Stephanie Schierholz thanks the participants for attending the press conference. She directs the audience to NASA’s websites for ongoing updates on the Commercial Crew Program and the International Space Station. She also provides information on the Spot the Station website for tracking ISS flyovers.