Images: SpaceX, Rocketplane win NASA support
SpaceX capsule
Under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program, SpaceX and Rocketplane Kistler will only be paid after the companies reach specified goals along the way. The first stage of the program involves sending cargo to the International Space Station. The second stage requires sending and returning crews.
Right is Dragon, the capsule that SpaceX plans to develop.
K-1 rocket
Oklahoma-based Rocketplane Kistler plans to launch its demonstration flight, to and from the International Space Station, in 2008. It stands to earn $207 million from the NASA grant.
Falcon
SpaceX says the Falcon 1 rocket, currently under development, offers the lowest cost per orbital flight. It also says Falcon 5 and Falcon 9 will offer the cheapest cost per pound for an orbital payload.
Space truckers
SpaceX's Dragon capsule is also configured to carry loads of cargo into orbit.
SpaceX test
In March, SpaceX unsuccessfully tested its Falcon rocket. It was recently confirmed by U.S. government investigators that it was a fuel leak, not a design flaw that caused the failure. Left, you can see the fuel burning just after takeoff.
Space hotel
While the immediate goal of the COTS program is to resupply the International Space Station after the Space Shuttle is officially scrubbed, the long-term goal is to commercialize space travel. Project's like Bigelow Aerospace's space hotel will need launch vehicles to ferry passengers to and from the space complex.
Passenger service
SpaceX plans to carry as many as seven passengers aboard its Dragon capsule. The company will use Dragon as a vehicle for space tourists.
module
An artist's drawing of Rocketplane's cargo capsule preparing to dock with the space station.
landing
Rocketplane Kistler's launch and cargo vehicles will be built to be reusable. Photo 1 shows the engine section returning with parachutes. Photo 2 shows the nose section deploying parchachutes but it will also use inflatable balloons Photo 3 to bounce on the ground upon landing. Photo 4 shows early testing of the balloon landing.
International Space Station
Rocketplane Kistler's goal--the International Space Station.
Dragon at International Space Station
SpaceX also has big plans to rendevous with the International Space Station.