Well, now that Space Shuttle Atlantis has touched down from its final mission we can breath a sigh of relief and cast a nostalgic eye back at the former US manned space program....and look ahead to its future!
There ARE some potentially groundbreaking and very exciting developments in space travel occurring in the "private sector". Here are just two of the companies that will be supplying the hardware for the next generation of Astronauts.
Scaled Composites: SpaceShipTwo
http://www.scaled.com/projects/model_339_spaceshiptwo
SpaceShipTwo will be powered by a unique hybrid rocket motor, which is currently under development. The twin fuselage and central payload area configuration allow for easy access to WhiteKnightTwo and the spaceship for passengers and crew; the design also aids operational efficiencies and turnaround times. SpaceShipTwo utilizes the unique feather configuration that allowed SpaceShipOne to successfully re-enter the atmosphere. Although the presently planned flights are sub-orbital and this design will not likely support orbital flights, it is a step back in the direction of space plane technology. Scaled Composites is in partnership with Virgin Galactic http://www.virgingalactic.com/ who is presently selling tickets for flights on SS2...sign up for yours today!!
SpaceX: Dragon/Falcon
http://www.spacex.com/dragon.phpDragon is a free-flying, reusable spacecraft being developed by SpaceX under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. Initiated internally by SpaceX in 2005, the Dragon spacecraft is made up of a pressurized capsule and unpressurized trunk used for Earth to LEO transport of pressurized cargo, unpressurized cargo, and/or crew members. Dragon will likely be the U.S.A.s vehicle of choice to supply the ISS and transport crew members.
My only complaint is that we don't have a space vehicle ready to take over for the shuttle...and when we do it is likely to be a capsule...Somewhat less elegant than a space plane.
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