SpaceX capsule

NASA tries to get the private sector into the rocket-launching business by awarding a total of about $500 million to two companies to develop low-cost flights to the International Space Station.

Under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, SpaceX and Rocketplane Kistler will be paid only after the companies reach specified goals along the way. The first stage of the program involves sending cargo to the International Space Station. The second stage requires sending and returning crews.

Left is Dragon, the capsule that SpaceX plans to develop.