Commercial Cargo
Falcon 9 launches final first-generation Dragon
A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted off March 6 and placed into orbit a Dragon spacecraft on the final flight of that version of the cargo vehicle.
Cygnus launches to space station
A Cygnus cargo spacecraft launched Feb. 15 carrying more than three tons of supplies and experiments for the International Space Station.
Cygnus launch to ISS scrubbed as NASA considers schedule changes for future cargo missions
A technical issue scrubbed a scheduled Feb. 9 launch a Cygnus cargo mission to the International Space Station as NASA is considering changes to the schedule of future cargo missions and science activities on the station given uncertainties about the size of the station’s crew.
Falcon 9 launches Dragon cargo spacecraft to ISS
A SpaceX Falcon 9 successfully launched a Dragon cargo spacecraft bound for the International Space Station Dec. 5 on a mission that will also perform a test of the rocket’s upper stage.
Antares launches Cygnus cargo spacecraft on first CRS-2 mission
Northrop Grumman Antares rocket successfully launched a Cygnus cargo spacecraft on a mission to the International Space Station Nov. 2, kicking off a new era in cargo delivery for the station.
Commercial cargo: The next generation
A decade ago, the idea of relying on commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station was still very much of an experiment.
SpaceX launches Dragon as it prepares for next cargo contract
SpaceX successfully launched a Dragon cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station July 25 as the company plans a transition next year to a new contract and new cargo spacecraft.
Dream Chaser cleared to begin full-scale production
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has won NASA approval to begin full-scale production of its Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft scheduled to make its first flight in about two years.
NASA will pay more for less ISS cargo under new commercial contracts
NASA will pay more money for less cargo delivered to the International Space Station under a set of follow-on commercial cargo contracts awarded in 2016, according to a report by the agency’s inspector general.
Dream Chaser completes captive carry test flight
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) carried out a successful captive carry test Aug. 30 of its Dream Chaser vehicle, a key step towards a glide flight of the lifting body spacecraft later this year.
Republican platform endorses commercial space partnerships
The new platform of the Republican Party includes language supporting the use of public-private partnerships to develop space capabilities, an approach that has been used by administrations of both major political parties.
