14 DAY TRIAL // Representatives from the NASA Commercial Crew Program announce that the American space agency has entered into an unfunded agreement with Excalibur Almaz. The contract was signed as part of the NASA Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) program.
The CCDev2 is focused on supporting private companies that demonstrate excellent skill in designing, developing, building and testing spacecraft capable of carrying cargo – and eventually astronauts – to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA is already investing heavily in SpaceX, OSC, Boeing and Blue Origins, all of which are in the advanced stages of creating their respective space capsules. However, this does not preclude the agency from seeking other collaboration opportunities with upstart firms.
The new agreement it signed with EAI enables the space agency to establish a framework supporting future cooperation between the two entities. The document will also allow NASA to help EAI in its efforts to develop a spacecraft concept for LEO transportation.
The company will develop its planned tourist space vehicle so that it can be attached to an intermediate stage for faster, safer travel. The entire ensemble is meant to launch on one of the currently-available commercial delivery systems. The exact launch service provider has not yet been established.
Under the terms of the new contract, the company will have to conduct several reviews as it continues to develop its spacecraft. These assessments will analyze systems requirements status, launch vehicle compatibility, testing plans and status, and overall status of the design, operational and facilities plans, and integration status, among others.
This series of test milestones will begin this month, and will run all the way through May 2012. NASA experts will be present during each review, providing some of the know-how the space agency accumulated in more than 50 years of spaceflight.
“We are pleased to add Excalibur Almaz to the group of CCDev2 companies and look forward to a productive partnership,” explains the deputy manager of the Commercial Crew Program, Brent Jett.
“Under this unfunded Space Act Agreement, NASA will provide limited technical support to EAI but no funding. NASA will not receive any deliverables under this Space Act Agreement,” a statement from the space agency adds.