Leveraging its expertise in the
space-bound flight operations, Boeing has unveiled a concept of a manned
spaceflight that is expected to send astronauts into space by 2017.
The new Crew Space Transportation
(CST-100) vehicle, funded by NASA as part of its 'Commercial Crew Integrated
Capability' initiative, is designed to transport crew and cargo to low-earth
orbit.
To begin with, the spacecraft will
be used to take astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
"We are moving into a truly
commercial space market and we have to consider our potential customers -
beyond NASA," Chris Ferguson, Boeing director of crew and mission
operations for the commercial crew programme was quoted as saying.
Boeing, along with partner Bigelow
Aerospace, recently showcased the future commercial interior of the spacecraft.
The spacecraft would be able to
accommodate a crew of seven and take cargo into orbit.
The seats are lightweight and plastic to keep
the weight of the capsule down, media reports said.
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