Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program aims to reduce dependence on Russian Soyuz spacecraft by partnering with private aerospace firms. Contracts were awarded to SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop crewed transportation systems. SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner are the primary spacecraft involved.
NASA’s contracts with SpaceX and Boeing are valued at $2.6 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively. Both companies must demonstrate their spacecraft's safety and reliability through test flights and certification milestones before providing operational missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon is an updated version of the Cargo Dragon spacecraft, designed to carry up to seven astronauts. It features larger windows, enhanced avionics, and an integrated launch escape system. Boeing’s Starliner, a new design, also accommodates up to seven crew members and includes a weldless structure and airbag landing system.
The Crew Dragon is launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and can autonomously dock with the ISS, remaining in orbit for up to 210 days. It returns to Earth via ocean splashdown. The Starliner can be launched by multiple rockets, including Atlas V and Falcon 9, and is capable of landing on solid ground using parachutes and airbags, with a water landing option.
Both spacecraft prioritize crew safety. The Crew Dragon features an advanced life support system, a spacious interior with touchscreens, and custom spacesuits. The Starliner also has a robust life support system, a comfortable interior with tablet-based controls, and custom spacesuits.
The Crew Dragon completed successful uncrewed and crewed test flights starting with Demo-1 in March 2019 and Demo-2 in May 2020. In contrast, the Starliner faced software issues during its first uncrewed test flight in December 2019, but successfully completed its second test flight, OFT-2, in May 2022. Both spacecraft are now certified for operational missions.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has successfully completed several operational missions since November 2020, transporting astronauts to and from the ISS. Boeing’s Starliner, however is stuck in space on its first ever mission for 53 days. The mission was supposed to last 7 days but due to several technical issues, it hasn't returned to Earth since its launch.
Future crew assignments for both spacecraft will be coordinated by NASA with its international partners. Astronauts from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan are expected to fly aboard both the Crew Dragon and the Starliner, promoting international collaboration in space exploration.