A New Era in Space Flight: The COTS Model of Commercial Partnerships at NASA

Abstract

The commercial space industry can supply affordable and responsive space missions if government engages industry in a partnership. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) demonstrated the success of the partnership approach in the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. By providing milestone-based funding and technical support to commercial partners, NASA stimulated development of commercial capabilities which today are servicing the International Space Station. The COTS program was conducted by NASA using funded Space Act Agreements. It was followed by the purchase of cargo transportation services by NASA under the Commercial Resupply Service contracts. This paper reviews the key attributes and lessons learned from COTS, and how the model has stimulated new commercial partnerships within NASA and beyond.