Prepare to blast off. Yes, that means you.
NASA will soon start letting commercial businesses use the International Space Station, it announced Friday. That means private astronauts will be able to test products, conduct research, and even make movies in the zero-gravity environment.
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A private trip to the ISS also comes with some strict limitations. Just five percent of NASA's allocated crew resources and cargo capability, as well as 175 kg of cargo launch capability, will be set aside for private use each year. Private missions for now will be limited to two per year, and they can last up to 30 days. That means there will be stiff competition for the spots, and with scientific projects getting a priority treatment, it'll probably be a while before we see a real zero-gravity sequel to Gravity.
In the meantime, NASA is also working on sending the first woman and another man to the moon by 2024, and says American companies will help NASA maintain a "sustainable presence" there. NASA has also said it would eventually like private companies take over the ISS full-time to cut those massive operating costs.
Read all of NASA's plan here.
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