Definition
A NASA initiative (established 2010) to transport American astronauts to and from the International Space Station using private spacecraft, ending U.S. reliance on the Russian Soyuz vehicle.
Why It Matters
It successfully transitioned space access from a government monopoly to a resilient commercial market, drastically lowering the cost of reaching orbit.
Core Concepts
- Sneaky Origins: Started with a $50M allocation “tucked into” the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by Lori Garver to bypass congressional opposition.
- The Selection (2014): NASA chose two providers: Boeing ($4.2B) and SpaceX ($2.6B).
- Public-Private Partnership: Unlike the “Cost-Plus” model of the Space Shuttle, NASA paid a fixed price for services (seats), while the companies owned the hardware.
- Competition Benefit: By funding two companies, NASA ensured “Assured Access” even if one provider failed (e.g., Boeing’s Starliner delays).