What started off initially as a failed attempt in the space and research sector has now become one of the most trusted and advanced companies. As per the latest reports, SpaceX has just been approached by NASA that is willing to sign two big contracts with it.
It has been reported that NASA is in the process of giving more than $330 million to SpaceX for a mission. As part of the deal, NASA will be launching two pieces of the gateway through the SpaceX program. The gateway would serve as the components for the space station that NASA is planning to put in orbit around the moon.
NASA has confirmed that the moon space station is part of their new space program that is dubbed as “Artemis Program”.
The Artemis Program is one of the biggest ventures that has been launched by the Government of the United States. The Artemis Program would see the permanent presence of human beings in deep space.
According to the deal, SpaceX will be responsible for launching the components that will foundational for the Gateway. The launch would also include a cylindrical module that will be converted into quarters for the astronauts during their visit to the space station.
Furthermore, the launch would also carry a huge unit that will be box-shaped and will be used for providing communication services as well as the power to the space station.
NASA has revealed that these two main components will be launched into space through Falcon Heavy Rockets. NASA has also confirmed through a press-release that these rockets will be launched no earlier than May 2024.
With the recent deal being struck between the two space companies, it has been confirmed that NASA now trusts SpaceX. It goes onto show that NASA will now rely heavily on SpaceX in carrying out its missions and delivering the components to the designated spot in space.
Before collaborating with SpaceX, NASA had reached out to different companies such as United Launch Alliance that offered cheaper alternatives for space travels.
The particular rocket “Falcon Heavy” was launched back in 2018 and resembles as if three falcon 9 rockets are strapped and weld together.
The launch of the Falcon Heavy attracted a lot of public attention as Elon Musk decided to launch a cherry red Roadster manufactured by Tesla into space for Falcon Heavy’s inaugural launch.
Elon Musk had used the cherry red Roadster as a mock for the payload that the Falcon Heavy would carry in its future ventures. The Tesla Roadster was released into space and is still somewhere in the solar.
The main goal of the Artemis Program from NASA is to send a woman and a man again on the surface of the moon and plans on achieving it by 2024.