In “The Daily” from The New York Times podcast series, the team interviewed Eric Stallmer, president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, on the recent historic launch of NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule to the International Space Station. On May 30, 2020, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off, and the Dragons landed safely, making the first docking of a commercially built and operated spacecraft with the space station. This is a critical milestone as it enables NASA to alter course for the future in human spaceflight. The Crew Dragon is different from its cargo counterpart, the Dragon, in its intended use cases, life support systems, seat design, and emergency escape techniques. It is safer, more versatile, and able to carry humans to the ISS, whereas the former needs specialized ground equipment for berthing to the space station. The recent launch is a significant step toward increasing access and opportunities for crewed missions to the ISS while reducing costs for American taxpayers. This achievement is a win-win for both NASA and its partners, as it saves money and enables NASA to focus on its future missions, such as landing humans on the moon by 2024 and further exploration of Mars. By outsourcing its spacecraft manufacturing to SpaceX and other commercial partners, NASA can allocate more resources to scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs. This milestone is significant for the future of space exploration, as it underscores the power of public-private partnerships and demonstrates how humankind can overcome technological and logistical challenges to pioneer new frontiers.
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