This summer, U.S. astronauts will be forced to ride Russian spacecraft to and from the International Space Station (ISS) at a cost of $753 million through June 2016. By taking the next step in space and allowing commercial space companies to provide a domestic alternative, NASA can invest in breakthrough technologies that will enable a giant leap forward in human space exploration.

Stimulate investment in new science, innovation, and jobs (Mars Science Laboratory is a NASA rover scheduled to launch in October 2011.) Source: JPL

The ISS was only recently completed this year by the Space Shuttle Endeavor and stands to operate until at least 2020. The orbiting lab, which cost about $100 billion to construct, represents the only long-term, manned platform in space capable of performing critical scientific research.  In July, Shuttle Atlantis will be the last Shuttle to fly to the ISS. This flight marks a historic end to the great national success of the Shuttle program and presents serious questions for the future operation of the International Space Station, the construction of which was made possible by the more than 130 flights and 500 million miles flown by the Shuttle fleet, will continue until at least 2020.  The ISS, representing the work of 17 international partners, is a majestic facility capable of producing incredible discoveries and innovations.

After Atlantis returns, the United States will not have its own vehicle capable of providing human space transportation for a minimum of 5 years – a gap that will require America to outsource transport of U.S. astronauts to foreign countries at a price of hundreds of millions of dollars. The time is right for the next generation of spaceflight.

Commercial companies not only enable NASA to continue operating the ISS, but also, through lower costs and high safety standards, allow NASA to focus on developing deep space vehicles to put humans on new worlds. America’s youth once again can aspire to be the first to step foot on a new world, to go in peace for all mankind.

Strengthen U.S. space industry (SpaceX's Falcon 9 performs a static fire test in preparation for its inaugural launch). Source: SpaceX

Only twelve humans have ever touched another world, and all during a brief but remarkable four-year period over 40 years ago. At the same time, the President and Congress have also mandated exploration to near Earth objects and Mars. Without engaging the private sector, NASA does not have the resources to simultaneously fully utilize the Station and explore beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Within the confines of current governmental fiscal realities, it is not only necessary but also entirely possible to develop safe, sustainable and affordable access to space. With the exception of the government-operated U.S. Space Shuttle and the Russian Soyuz, the U.S. government already obtains all space launch services from three U.S. commercial launch providers: United Launch Alliance (a Boeing-Lockheed joint venture), Orbital Sciences and SpaceX.

At no time before has the U.S. been so dependent on another nation for access to the vital capabilities of space. Without rapid development of commercial human spaceflight capabilities, the Russian Soyuz will be the only spacecraft capable of carrying crew—exposing the $100 billion investment in the ISS and the astronauts on board to the risk of deteriorating international relations or a single technical failure.

Commercial spaceflight gives America the freedom and flexibility to explore the deep reaches of the cosmos once again. In a time when fewer American students are pursuing careers in STEM than their parents’ generation, commercial launch gives NASA the flexibility to do what it does best: explore the solar system and excite America once more.

It’s our turn to make a giant leap for mankind. Let’s take the next step now.  Support commercial spaceflight.