NASA Considers Selling Seats on the Spacecraft Used For International Space Station (washingtonpost.com)

NASA is considering selling seats on the spacecraft that will ferry its astronauts to the International Space Station, offering rides to the public while opening another line of revenue as the agency attempts to broaden its appeal [Editor's note: the link may be paywalled; alternative source]. From a report: On several occasions, Russia has flown wealthy individuals who paid millions for the ride to space. And a trio of private companies backed by billionaires, is also looking to fly tourists out of the atmosphere. But except for a couple of rare exceptions, such as Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who was killed when the space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986, NASA has not allowed private citizens on its rockets. "Just like in the early days of aviation, with barnstorming, these initial activities will help build the infrastructure and the foundation that can lead to future innovations that, frankly, we cannot imagine right now," said Michael Gold, the general counsel of Maxar Technologies, who is leading the advisory council's policy reform effort.

The proposal, backed Friday by a NASA advisory subcommittee, is still in the nascent stage, and is part of moves by the agency to better insert itself into the public consciousness by working with the private sector. The proposals would have to be approved by the entire advisory council and then forwarded to NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. Friday's meeting comes two months after Bridenstine announced he was standing up the committee, and tasking it to look at how the agency could better partner with industry. He said then that he wants NASA and its astronauts "embedded into the American culture." On Friday, he reiterated the point, saying: "The reality is, we're in a new era now."

Comments

your tax dollar at work

[Anonymous Coward]

i'm glad we gained insight into the respiratory cycle of frogs in 0 G though

No.

[rsilvergun]

it will end up being subsidized with taxpayer dollars for billionaire jaunts. Just like all those airports in the middle of nowhere that just happen to be next to some rich donor's summer villa.

Give me universal healthcare, a living minimum wage and a jobs guarantee and we'll talk about your subsidized rides to space. Until then no more free money for billionaires' hobbies.

This is sad.

[Gravis Zero]

Due to the constant under-budgeting by congress, NASA has been reduced to offering carnival rides for the rich. NASA is supposed to be about science. This is shameful and reflects poorly upon our nation.