SpaceX has received a $946 million contract from NASA to conduct three additional astronaut missions to the International Space Station, extending its crewed flights through 2030. This brings the total number of NASA astronaut flights under the contract to 17 and increases the total value to $5.92 billion. The agreement underscores NASA’s continued reliance on SpaceX for transporting astronauts to and from the ISS.
Meanwhile, Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda has entered the final phase of training for his upcoming mission to the ISS, scheduled for summer 2025. He has relocated to the United States to prepare directly for his flight aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. His mission will be launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Svoboda is set to serve as a pilot on the mission.
The deal also highlights SpaceX’s growing role in space exploration, as the company continues to expand its capabilities. In parallel, reports suggest SpaceX is planning to phase out the Dragon program, though its crewed flights have only begun six years ago. NASA remains dependent on SpaceX for reliable crew transportation, while other programs, such as Boeing’s Starliner, face ongoing challenges.
