Astronaut Training Nine U.S. astronauts are working with Boeing or SpaceX for specific mission training. The crews are working side-by-side with Boeing and SpaceX to understand the new spacecraft and launch systems, the spacesuits and refining how they’re going to operate in space. The astronauts also are preparing to live and work aboard the space station, where they could stay for up to six months. The astronauts go through significant preparation for space station missions, including learning how to conduct spacewalks, maintain the space station and perform a myriad of research investigations covering all scientific disciplines. The astronauts have participated in many nominal and off-nominal mission simulations, studying every aspect of their spacecraft, as well as launch, in-orbit and landing procedures. This intense work ensures they are prepared for any situation that may arise during their mission. Commercial Crew Program Timeline 2010 NASA invests about $50 million for Commercial Crew Development Round 1 (CCDev1) to stimulate efforts within the private sector to aid in the development and demonstration of safe, reliable and cost-effective crew transportation capabilities. Companies include: • Blue Origin • Boeing • Paragon Space Development Corporation • Sierra Nevada Corporation • United Launch Alliance 2011 NASA continues to develop partnerships with industry through Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) by awarding nearly $270 million to four companies and providing expertise to an additional three companies to further development and demonstration of safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation capabilities. The agency's funded agreements are with: • Blue Origin • Boeing • Sierra Nevada Corporation • SpaceX The agency's unfunded agreements are with: • Alliant Techsystems Inc. • Excalibur Almaz Inc. • United Launch Alliance 2012 Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) continues the development of three fully integrated systems in August 2012. The Space Act Agreements call for industry partners to develop crew transportation capabilities and to perform tests to verify, validate and mature integrated designs. Companies include: • Boeing • Sierra Nevada Corporation • SpaceX