NASA’s Commercial Crew/Cargo Project Office released the request for proposals for its $1 billion Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Demonstrations (COTS) programme on 5 December. COTS has two phases – the development and demonstration by private industry of transportation capabilities to and from low-Earth orbit, starting in May 2006; and a competitive procurement of International Space Station supply services for cargo and crew, if a capability is successfully demonstrated by 2010. Interested companies should provide proposals by 10 February 2006. COTS funding next year will be $40 million.
Source: Flight International
