The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services was a NASA program to spur the development of private spacecraft and launch vehicles for deliveries to the International Space Station. Launched in 2006,
SpaceX Dragon approaches the ISS on its COTS demonstration flight.
Cygnus approaches the ISS on its COTS demonstration flight.
ISS 45 Cygnus 5 approaching the ISS crop
Orbital Sciences Corporation
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Orbital Sciences Corporation was an American company specializing in the design, manufacture, and launch of small- and medium- class space and launch vehicle systems for commercial, military and other
Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
…on contracts. COTS contracts were awarded to SpaceX and Rocketplane Kistler, but the latter's agreement was terminated due to insufficient progress. Orbital Sciences Corporation replaced Rocketplane Kistler in the program in 2008. COTS differs from the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which procured cargo delivery…
NASA's Dawn spacecraft, built by Orbital
Cygnus approaching ISS
The GQM-163A Coyote flies over the bow of the U.S. Navy observation ship during a routine test.
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Stargazer with Pegasus Rocket underneath