SpaceX Seeks to Replace Soyuz

When the shuttle is retired, how will NASA astronauts get to the International Space Station?

In the past, when the shuttle suspended operations due to the Columbia disaster, NASA astronauts rode to the ISS via a Russian Soyuz. It was, pretty much, the only way to get there. But soon that might not be true anymore.

Elon Musk, President of SpaceX, proposes that NASA use his company’s launch capabilities instead of the Russian Soyuz.

SpaceX has produced a booster (Falcon 9) and a spacecraft (Dragon) which is almost capable of delivering astronauts to the ISS. And, with a little time and few improvements, it could be doing the job as soon as 2011.

But Why?

Musk cites several reasons for using his company. One: money. The Russians charges $141 million to provide transportation for 3 astronauts and a small amount of cargo. SpaceX would transport 7 astronauts for $100 million.

Another reason: also money. Why send money to Russia when the American economy needs all the help it can get? Musk thinks the money should stay on our shores…and go to his company. No other private company appears to be close to providing this service.

Caveats

This is an appealing idea. In fact, I think that it might be desirable to continue using Falcon/Dragon as the standard vehicle to deliver astronauts to ISS. The new Constellation space systems could be used exclusively for transporting astronauts beyond Earth orbit.

But…

SpaceX’s vehicles would need to be fully ready for the job…not just nearly ready. It would need some further development and thorough testing. Musk notes that SpaceX will be petitioning Congress for $300 million or $400 million to complete development and testing. Still, it seems doable and SpaceX seems up to the task. NASA should look closely and get its experts to determine that for itself.

And note this: The Russian Soyuz is a proven vehicle, with years of service and (for many years) a strong safety record. It should not be dismissed casually…but perhaps it could be replaced with careful thought, planning and testing.