tech
A "disaster waiting to happen"? Industry officials worry about Crew Dragon availability.
It is very clear that in the United States there is a big need for an additional crew vehicle.
TL;DR
- NASA's reliance on SpaceX's Crew Dragon for astronaut transport to the ISS and potentially private space stations is threatened by SpaceX's planned transition to Starship.
- Private space station companies cite concerns about Crew Dragon's future availability and increasing costs, impacting their operational expenses.
- Boeing's Starliner has faced significant delays and mishaps, making its future operational status and cost-competitiveness questionable.
- Blue Origin is developing a crewed vehicle, but its timeline and cost are uncertain.
- The Exploration Company, a European firm, is developing a cargo vehicle and aims to build a crew vehicle, potentially addressing a critical need for more options.