Boeing spacecraft to send astronauts to space in 2017

Washington: Leveraging its expertise in the space-bound flight operations, Boeing has unveiled a concept of a manned spaceflight that is expected to send astronauts into space by 2017.

The new Crew Space Transportation (CST-100) vehicle, funded by NASA as part of its 'Commercial Crew Integrated Capability' initiative, is designed to transport crew and cargo to low-earth orbit.

To begin with, the spacecraft will be used to take astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

“We are moving into a truly commercial space market and we have to consider our potential customers - beyond NASA,” Chris Ferguson, Boeing director of crew and mission operations for the commercial crew programme was quoted as saying.

Boeing, along with partner Bigelow Aerospace, recently showcased the future commercial interior of the spacecraft. The spacecraft would be able to accommodate a crew of seven and take cargo into orbit. The seats are lightweight and plastic to keep the weight of the capsule down, media reports said.