Private astronaut missions are an important component of NASA’s strategy for enabling a robust and competitive commercial economy in low Earth orbit. In 2019,| NASA
NASA is supporting the development of commercially owned and operated space stations in low Earth orbit from which the agency, along with other customers, can purchase services and stimulate the growth of commercial activities in microgravity. NASA is using a phased approach to support the design, development, and demonstration of commercial space stations followed by a phase to finalize certification and procure services.| NASA
NASA is developing a human spaceflight economy enabled by a commercial market.| NASA